Composites, AI, and the Next 100 Years of Flight: A Conversation with Tom Gentile

Hexcel Corporation Chairman and CEO Tom Gentile on how AI is reshaping aerospace engineering, manufacturing, and safety

The advanced composites manufactured by Hexcel Corporation are core to how today's aircraft are built. In The Long View: Leading in the Intelligent Enterprise Era, Chairman and CEO Tom Gentile speaks to Jasmeet Singh, EVP and Global Head of Manufacturing at Infosys, on how the aerospace industry is entering a new era of transformation. This shift is built on materials like carbon fiber composite, five times stronger than aluminum and 30% lighter. These materials are enabling new architectures such as blended wing bodies, offering up to 50% more range and better fuel efficiency.

Further, Tom points to AI as a growing force across engineering, manufacturing, and safety: digital twins are compressing product development timelines by cutting down the hundreds of physical tests Hexcel traditionally runs on new composite materials, while AI is helping frontline supervisors optimize daily production plans on the factory floor. He is direct that safety and quality remain non-negotiable in aerospace, and sees AI's greatest value in strengthening the data-intensive systems that support both, from predictive maintenance to Kaizen-driven quality improvements.

Tom also lays out his role as CEO in driving AI adoption – setting a vision, resourcing the right tools and training, recruiting AI talent, and engaging Hexcel's board directly to build its own understanding of the strategic importance of AI.