About SDC Consulting

About Said Daalaoui

With over two decades of distinguished experience in aviation engineering and maintenance leadership, I bring a unique combination of strategic vision and operational excellence to the aerospace industry. As a French-Moroccan aviation executive, I have successfully guided major airlines, OEMs, and aviation organizations across the globe through complex technical challenges and transformational growth initiatives.

My Journey

My career began at Airbus in Toulouse, where I spent nearly a decade leading customer programs for the A330, A380, and A350 aircraft families. This foundational experience at one of the world's leading aircraft manufacturers provided me with deep insights into aircraft design, supply chain optimization, and the critical intersection between engineering excellence and commercial success.

Building on this OEM expertise, I transitioned to airline operations, where I've held senior technical leadership roles at some of the most respected carriers in the Middle East and Africa. From spearheading the Boeing 787 Entry-Into-Service at Saudia to leading fleet modernization initiatives at TAAG Angola, I've consistently delivered measurable results that drive both operational performance and financial success.

Proven Track Record

Throughout my career, I've achieved remarkable outcomes that speak to both technical expertise and business acumen:

• Cost Optimization: Delivered over $500M in maintenance cost reductions through strategic planning and operational excellence

• Fleet Modernization: Successfully led the introduction of next-generation aircraft including the A220, A320NEO, and B787

• Reliability Enhancement: Consistently improved dispatch reliability by 7-10% across diverse fleet operations

• Team Leadership: Built and mentored technical teams of 250+ professionals while maintaining the highest safety standards

• Warranty Recovery: Established robust warranty management processes, recovering millions in claims annually

Expertise & Specialization

My comprehensive expertise spans the entire aviation value chain:

Fleet Management & Strategy: From aircraft acquisition and lease negotiations to phase-in/phase-out strategies, I optimize fleet composition for maximum operational and financial efficiency.

MRO Development: I specialize in building in-house maintenance capabilities, establishing strategic joint ventures, and reducing dependency on external providers while maintaining world-class safety standards.

Regulatory Excellence: With deep knowledge of GCAA, EASA, and FAA regulations, I ensure seamless compliance while driving operational improvements.

Digital Innovation: I leverage cutting-edge maintenance technologies and predictive analytics to enhance decision-making and optimize fleet performance.

My Approach

I believe that sustainable success in aviation comes from aligning technical excellence with business strategy. Whether advising on fleet acquisition, developing maintenance organizations, or optimizing operational efficiency, I focus on creating long-term value while never compromising on safety.

My multicultural background and global experience enable me to navigate complex international markets and build lasting partnerships across diverse aviation ecosystems. I'm equally comfortable working with startup carriers establishing their foundation as I am with established airlines pursuing transformation and growth.

Today

Through SDC, my consulting practice, I continue to support airlines, lessors, and aviation organizations across EMEA and Eastern Europe. I'm passionate about sharing the knowledge and expertise I've gained throughout my career to help others achieve their aviation goals.

When I'm not working with clients, I'm continuously learning about emerging technologies and industry trends that will shape the future of aviation. The aerospace industry's rapid evolution presents exciting opportunities, and I'm committed to helping my clients navigate and capitalize on these changes.

Ready to discuss how we can optimize your aviation operations together?

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