Deerns expands its airport expertise in France with strategic projects and system innovation.
Deerns is ramping up its presence in France with a sharp focus on airport systems engineering, decarbonisation and infrastructure upgrades. The move aligns with national goals for greener, more efficient airports and positions Deerns as a key player in shaping the future of aviation in France.
“France is a major hub for global air traffic,” says Florent Merminod, Unit Director Airports at Deerns France. “We see enormous potential to support the transformation of the country’s airport infrastructure while delivering real value to clients.”
" Our strength lies in combining engineering depth with big picture planning.
What Sets Deerns Apart
Deerns brings a full spectrum approach to airport development, drawing on deep technical expertise and multi-disciplinary capabilities. “We deliver systems, buildings and pavements as part of a holistic solution,” Merminod comments.
Deerns’ value proposition to French clients stands on three pillars:
- Sustainability Expertise: Leveraging sustainability knowledge from offices in France, the Netherlands, Italy and Spain, Deerns is helping airports like Paris-Orly and Paris-Charles de Gaulle (Roissy) meet Europe’s net-zero carbon targets
- Design for Future-readiness: Deerns supports clients in expanding and optimising airport operations, from aircraft flow and passenger movement to baggage handling and terminal upgrades.
- Lifecycle Support: From idea to commissioning, Deerns engages early to guide clients through long, complex projects that often span several years.
This full lifecycle support enables Deerns to be more than just a service provider. The company acts as a true partner, embedded from the earliest phases of planning through to execution and handover. Its ability to anticipate future technology and regulatory shifts allows clients to remain agile and forward thinking in a competitive global sector.
3 Key Challenges in the French Airport Sector
France’s aviation landscape reflects broader European challenges, with 3 key challenges as the common denominator:
- Climate goals: regional airports must justify expansion through economic impact while aligning with regulatory pressure from the EU and national authorities, with upcoming deadlines mandating carbon neutrality and enhanced security standards.
- Talent scarcity is another critical issue. Younger professionals often overlook aviation infrastructure as a career path, which is why Deerns actively promotes the sector’s drive towards sustainability. From smart technologies to clean energy applications, airports today offer one of the most innovative platforms for engineering talent.
- Security is also a major concern. Modern airports involve a matrix of work streams: ground services, catering, baggage logistics and building operations. The challenge is anticipating and mitigating security risks without disrupting operations or passenger experience. As air travel recovers and evolves post pandemic, airports must rethink passenger flows and adopt touchless technologies that enhance safety while maintaining efficiency.
“Airports are struggling to find specialists,” says Merminod. “At Deerns, part of our mission is to attract and inspire the next generation of engineers.”
" There’s a misconception that this industry lacks environmental ambition. In fact, it’s one of the most active in decarbonisation efforts.
Deerns’ Solutions: Innovation and Collaboration
Deerns approaches these challenges with targeted technical solutions and strategic collaborations. Highlights include:
- Smarter Baggage Systems: Advanced screening technologies integrated into streamlined BHS layouts reduce delays and improve throughput.
- Airfield Infrastructure Upgrades: Deerns assists with runway refurbishments and with transitioning airfield lighting (AFL) from halogen to energy saving LED.
- Terminal Modernisation: The firm collaborates with architects and engineering partners to deliver MEP design, façade engineering and sustainable building systems that prioritise low energy use, carbon efficiency and passenger comfort.
- Security Systems Planning: Deerns supports clients in comprehensive risk assessments and the integration of intelligent access control, CCTV and seamless screening solutions.
The company’s multidisciplinary teams work across specialities, offering clients integrated solutions that meet performance goals while adapting to new technologies.
" From airport specific IT systems to civil infrastructure, Deerns builds bridges between design intent and practical delivery.
The Road Ahead
Looking forward, Deerns is working to secure long-term frameworks with ADP Group and expand its footprint to other regional airports. The firm aims to capitalise on recurring infrastructure cycles while continuing to push forward innovation.
There is also a strong drive to expand offerings beyond Paris to the broader French territories, including overseas regions where airport infrastructure is often under served. Deerns’ strategic intent includes developing regional partnerships and scaling its expert teams to match local needs.
Beyond technical delivery, Deerns is also investing in community engagement and knowledge transfer. By working closely with French academic institutions and engineering schools, the company hopes to build a stronger pipeline of young professionals prepared for the unique challenges of airport systems and infrastructure.
As France prepares for the aviation challenges of the 2030s and beyond, Deerns stands ready – not just as a service provider, but as a strategic partner committed to sustainability, operational excellence and future ready design.
