New Ontic CEO sets out growth ambitions at Farnborough Airshow

Jean-Christophe Gallagher discusses his first weeks as Ontic CEO and explains how the company supports thousands of critical components across civil and military aviation.

Ontic’s newly appointed chief executive Jean-Christophe ‘JC’ Gallagher has outlined his ambitions for the aerospace parts specialist as it enters its next phase of global growth.

Speaking to Aerospace Global News at Farnborough International Airshow 2026, Gallagher said his first six weeks in the role had been spent visiting Ontic’s 10 facilities and meeting employees across the business.

Ontic employs around 2,000 people across five sites in the US, four in the UK and one in Singapore. The company manufactures and supports thousands of line replaceable units used across more than 50,000 aircraft worldwide.

“I’ve been so impressed by the level of expertise in this company, by the talent and by the culture that’s been built of everybody working together for our customers,” Gallagher said.

How Ontic supports civil and military aircraft

Ontic specialises in acquiring or licensing established product lines from major aerospace original equipment manufacturers, taking responsibility for their continued manufacture and long-term support.

Gallagher said the company’s portfolio is divided broadly evenly between civil and military aviation, giving Ontic opportunities for growth across both markets.

“Ontic purchases intellectual property from established OEMs and we’re supporting a lifetime of flight,” he explained. “Our job is to provide these critical components to keep all these aeroplanes flying.”

Gallagher said Ontic’s expansion has been underpinned by the trust it has developed with OEM partners, alongside its ability to provide components for both aircraft production lines and the aftermarket.

The company’s immediate priorities include delivering high-quality products on time while continuing to expand its global portfolio and manufacturing capacity.

Gallagher was appointed Ontic CEO in May 2026 after a 20-year career with Bombardier, where he most recently served as executive vice-president of aircraft sales and defence. Former CEO Gareth Hall is moving into the role of executive chairman following more than a decade at the helm.

Watch the full interview above to hear Gallagher discuss Ontic’s global footprint, business model and plans for continued growth.

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