Aeronautics & Space

A strategic hub in the heart of Europe

Wallonia, the southern region of Belgium, has established itself as a dynamic and outward-looking hub where aerospace plays a central role in driving innovation, industrial performance, and international collaboration. Located at the crossroads of France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg, the region provides immediate access to major European markets as well as key EU decision-making centres, all within a few hundred kilometres.

This strategic location is reinforced by a solid ecosystem of transport networks, industrial capabilities, and research institutions. Together, these strengths make Wallonia a practical and competitive base for international aerospace companies looking to establish or expand their footprint in Europe.

A thriving aeronautics & space ecosystem

Aeronautics & space is one of Wallonia’s flagship industries. The regional ecosystem covers aeronautics, space and, increasingly, drones and unmanned systems, with a strong export orientation and a significant contribution to Wallonia’s industrial value creation.

At the centre of this ecosystem stands GIWAS, the Walloon Aeronautics and Space Industries Association (Groupement des Industries Wallonnes Aéronautiques et Spatiales). GIWAS is the single federation that brings together all Walloon aeronautics and space stakeholders under one roof. It was created by uniting the historical EWA network (Entreprises Wallonnes de l’Aéronautique) and the Wallonie Espace association, in order to carry one strong and unified voice at regional, federal and European levels.

Key figures for Aeronautics & space

65+
members, covering commercial aviation, space and defence.
3.5 billion €
in cumulative turnover
11.000
direct jobs

GIWAS mission

GIWAS acts as the unified voice of Wallonia’s aeronautics and space sector. Its mission is to:

Defend the interests of the sector with regard to public authorities at regional, federal and European levels.
Connect companies with academic, scientific and institutional stakeholders.
Strengthen the attractiveness of the aerospace value chain for talents, projects and investments.
By federating industrial, academic and institutional players, GIWAS creates a structured framework for collaboration aimed at bringing forward the technologies, skills and solutions that will shape Wallonia’s future in the air and beyond.

Industrial and technological leaders

GIWAS members

GIWAS currently federates more than 65 members active in commercial aviation, space and defence, including companies of all sizes, research centres, universities and regional airports. Discover them all !

GIWAS working groups

Aeronautics

competitiveness of the Walloon aeronautics sector and support for the transition to more sustainable and decarbonised aviation.

Space

development of space technologies and applications and strengthening of collaboration across the space community.

SMEs

growth, internationalisation and visibility of small and medium sized enterprises, with better access to finance and markets.

Research

coordination between research centres, universities and industry to build a high performance R&D ecosystem.

Skills and Training

attractiveness of STEM careers, anticipation of future skills and bridges between companies and the academic world.

Airports

improvement of Wallonia’s air connectivity and support to sustainable development initiatives in regional airports.

Strong support for business and innovation

Wallonia offers a comprehensive range of incentives and support mechanisms for companies investing in aeronautics & space activities. These include attractive R&D tax credits, financial aid for innovation projects, and tailored support through regional agencies.