To infinity and beyond! That’s where I wanted to go when I was a kid. My earliest memories were imagining myself as an astronaut flying in space or exploring other planets like in my favorite shows and movies.
My dream of going to space has never been fulfilled, but hasn’t changed. I’d still like to go to space someday, but I realize it might need to be on a commercial flight, which is why I’m glad there are so many Aerospace companies today that are doing amazing things in air travel.
Doing a simple search on Google can find lots of great Aerospace companies like Elon Musk’s SpaceX, who is currently testing self-landing rockets that are reusable for planetary space travel. Or the China space agency who has been conducting moon flights and has now exceeded the US in their output. Not to mention the dozens of new aerospace companies that are getting into supersonic flight travel vying for a chance to earn business in the future.
With so many aerospace companies and businesses to support them, it’s great to have a tool that can narrow down results and help marketers and sales representatives find the right companies in aerospace that they can build their pipeline around to generate leads for new sales.
Best Ways to Prospect Aerospace Companies
Prospecting for new sales in the aerospace industry requires a strategic approach that leverages both technical knowledge and relationship-building skills. Here are some effective strategies to help you identify and connect with potential clients:
Utilize Industry Data and Market Research:
If you want to effectively prospect for new sales in the aerospace industry, start with comprehensive market research and competitor analysis to identify key trends and market gaps. Utilize CRM tools and aerospace directories to segment potential leads by industry and prioritize them based on company size and procurement behavior.
Market Analysis: Conduct thorough market analysis to identify trends, emerging markets, and potential gaps that your products or services can fill.
Industry Reports: Utilize reports from trusted sources like Frost & Sullivan, Deloitte, and PwC to understand market dynamics and target companies poised for growth or those undergoing fleet modernization.
Attend Industry Conferences and Trade Shows:
Attending major industry conferences and joining associations like AIA or IATA provide invaluable networking opportunities and insights.
Networking: Use these events to network with key decision-makers. Conferences such as the Paris Air Show or Farnborough International Airshow are prime opportunities.
Exhibit and Demonstrate: Consider showcasing your products with a stand or a demonstration to attract attention and generate leads.
Leverage Professional Networks:
LinkedIn: Use LinkedIn to connect with industry professionals, join relevant groups, and participate in discussions. Share thought leadership content to establish credibility.
Aerospace Associations: Join associations like the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) or the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to gain access to.
Content Marketing: - Publish articles, case studies, and whitepapers demonstrating thought leadership. Share industry news, insights, and company updates to engage your network.
Leveraging Referrals and Existing Relationships
Client Referrals: Ask satisfied customers for referrals or introductions to other industry contacts
Consistent Follow-Up: Schedule regular follow-ups with potential leads. Provide additional information or resources as needed. Maintain open communication channels.
Initial Outreach:
Personalized email campaigns and consultative phone calls help me address specific client needs, while leveraging referrals from satisfied customers and partnerships with complementary service providers broadens my reach.
Related: 17 Email Outreach Templates
Personalized Email Campaigns: Craft tailored emails addressing specific needs or pain points of the prospect. Highlight how your solutions can address their current challenges or objectives.
Phone Calls and Voicemails: Use a consultative approach to understand the prospect’s needs and offer tailored solutions. Follow up with a polite voicemail if the prospect is not available
Consistent follow-up and nurturing lead relationships ensure open communication channels and continue to offer value through insights and updates, ultimately driving long-term client engagement and aerospace sales success.
Exploring the Vast Aerospace Industry
Like an astronaut floating in the vastness of space, trying to navigate the aerospace industry can seem like a daunting task. According to the International Trade Administration, the US aerospace industry is the largest in the world and employs more than half of million folks and generated $21 billion in revenue for 2019.
There were 317 established aircraft manufacturers in 2017 with the average worker earning around $85k per year. Companies that create jet engine parts or goods accounted for 77k workers in 410 businesses.
Using industry B2B contact databases is a great way to narrow down the aerospace companies and help find the right prospects to connect with that would use the goods or services. These tools make it easy to filter by location, size, role, or other facet that will help to qualify the prospect and increase the value of the lead.
One of the best ways to do this is using Seamless.AI. The advanced sales tools include search capabilities that make it easy to explore and find companies or contacts that are high-quality and reliable.
Types of Aerospace Companies
The aerospace industry has a lot of opportunities for prospecting with a vast and diverse range of companies that focus on different aspects of aerospace technology and services. Here are some key categories to focus on for prospecting:
1. Aircraft Manufacturers
Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers: These companies design, produce, and sell commercial airplanes. Examples include Boeing, Airbus, and Embraer.
Defense and Military Aircraft Manufacturers: These companies focus on aircraft for military use, such as fighter jets, bombers, and surveillance aircraft. Examples include Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and Dassault Aviation.
2. Aerospace Component Manufacturers
Engine Manufacturers: Companies that produce engines for commercial and military aircraft. Examples include General Electric Aviation, Rolls-Royce, and Pratt & Whitney.
Avionics Manufacturers: These companies specialize in electronic systems used in aviation, such as navigation, communication, and monitoring systems. Examples include Honeywell Aerospace and Garmin.
Aircraft Parts Suppliers: These companies produce various components and systems used in aircraft, such as landing gear, cabins, and structural components. Examples include Safran and Spirit AeroSystems.
3. Satellite Manufacturers and Operators
Satellite Manufacturers: These companies design and build satellites for various purposes, including communication, navigation, and Earth observation. Examples include Boeing, Lockheed Martin Space, and Thales Alenia Space.
Satellite Operators: Companies that own and operate satellites, providing services like satellite TV, internet, and communication. Examples include Intelsat, SES, and Iridium Communications.
4. Space Exploration and Technology Companies
Spacecraft and Launch Vehicle Manufacturers: These companies develop and manufacture spacecraft, rockets, and launch vehicles for space missions. Examples include SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Rocket Lab.
Space Tourism Companies: Newer entrants in the industry focusing on commercial space travel and tourism. Examples include Virgin Galactic and Blue Origin.
5. Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) and Drone Manufacturers
These companies design and produce drones and UAVs for various applications, including military, commercial, and recreational use. Examples include DJI, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, and Parrot.
6. Airlines
Commercial Airlines: Companies that provide air transportation services for passengers and cargo. Examples include Delta Air Lines, Emirates, and Lufthansa.
Cargo Airlines: Specialized airlines that focus solely on transporting goods. Examples include FedEx Express and UPS Airlines.
7. MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) Organizations
Companies that provide maintenance, repair, and overhaul services for aircraft and aerospace components. Examples include Lufthansa Technik, ST Engineering Aerospace, and AAR Corp.
8. Aeronautical Engineering and Consulting Firms
Firms that offer engineering, design, and consulting services to other aerospace companies. These can include structural analysis, aerodynamic design, and system integrations. Examples include Raytheon Technologies and Teledyne Technologies.
9. Aerospace Research and Development Organizations
Institutions and companies focused on conducting research and development in aerospace technology and innovation. Examples include NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA), and private R&D firms like Aerojet Rocketdyne.
10. Air Traffic Management and Navigation Services
Organizations that provide systems and services for air traffic management, navigation, and communication. Examples include the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and NAV CANADA.
11. Aerospace Software and Technology Providers
Companies that specialize in developing software and technology solutions for the aerospace industry, such as flight management systems, simulation software, and predictive maintenance solutions. Examples include Rockwell Collins (Collins Aerospace, a division of Raytheon Technologies) and ANSYS.
12. Aerospace Materials and Supply Chain Companies
Companies that supply essential materials, such as advanced composites, metals, and specialized components to the aerospace industry. Examples include Hexcel Corporation and Alcoa.
13. Airport Operations and Ground Support Providers
Companies that manage airport operations and provide ground support services like fueling, baggage handling, and aircraft maintenance. Examples include Swissport and Menzies Aviation.
14. Defense Contractors
These companies provide a wide range of aerospace and defense products and services to military clients. Examples include Raytheon Technologies, BAE Systems, and General Dynamics.
15. Helicopter and Rotorcraft Manufacturers
Companies that design and manufacture helicopters and rotorcraft for various applications, including civilian, military, and emergency medical services. Examples include Sikorsky (a division of Lockheed Martin) and Airbus Helicopters.
Top Aerospace Companies in the US
Final thoughts
The aerospace industry is a complex ecosystem that includes a broad range of companies, each specializing in different facets of aerospace technology and services. From aircraft and component manufacturers to satellite operators, space exploration firms, and MRO providers, these entities collectively drive innovation