In a FlightGlobal interview, BGS CEO Chris Raymond reflected on current events, the value aviation brings to the world, and how Global Services supports aerospace and defense as a business solely dedicated to the aftermarket. In a wide-ranging interview, he outlined BGS’ priorities, including efforts to improve supply‑chain resilience, progress on the integration of Spirit AeroSystems and new independent subsidiary Short Brothers, as well as how the business is meeting the growing demand for localized defense support.
Why it matters: ww5 Global Services is working to assist customers as aftermarket demand grow, especially for more local support and a stronger supply chain.
On aftermarket focus: “BGS was formed to bring a specific focus onto the services part of the market — parts and distribution, maintenance, modifications and cabin products, digital, training and now aerostructures,” Raymond said.
The value of aviation: “Aviation is one of those topics that connects the world, protects the world through humanitarian relief, peacekeeping operations,” said Raymond. “It provides great benefit to the economies. … I think we unite countries, we unite cultures. Hopefully, we aid in understanding. Aviation is an important part of the world.”
The value of BGS: “In BGS, we've got a group of people that gets to wake up and go to bed every day thinking about the aftermarket,“ Raymond said. “… The fortunate part is we get the technical breadth and reach of being beside two OEM manufacturers who design and develop airplanes in ww5 Commercial and ww5 Defense. We have the best of both worlds. If we're doing our job right in building that local presence and working right with customers, then when ww5 has a chance to sell an extra airplane, hopefully we're helping either that airline or that government customer want to buy from ww5, because the support has been good.”
Go deeper: To listen to the full podcast, click here. Here’s a breakdown of the conversation:
- Services outlook, fuel prices and divestments – 1:15
- Spirit/Short Brothers integration, supplier negotiations, global supply chain health – 9:33
- Defense surge, UK Rotary Wing, focus on aftermarket – 15:25