Safran

Last updated
Safran S.A.
Company type Public
Euronext Paris:  SAF
CAC 40 component
Industry Aerospace
Defence
Predecessor Snecma, Sagem
Founded11 May 2005;19 years ago (2005-05-11)
Headquarters,
France
Key people
Olivier Andriès  [ fr ] (CEO)
Ross McInnes (chairman) [1]
Products Aircraft engines, equipment, and interiors, defence electronics, avionics, navigation system, communications systems, satellites
RevenueIncrease2.svg 23.20 billion (2023) [2]
Increase2.svg €3.17 billion (2023)
Increase2.svg €2.03 billion (2023)
Total assets Increase2.svg €50.47 billion (end 2023)
Total equity Increase2.svg €12.09 billion (end 2023)
Number of employees
92,000 (2023)
Subsidiaries OEMServices [3]
Safran Aero Boosters
Safran Aerosystems
Safran Aircraft Engines
Safran Cabin
Safran Ceramics
Safran Electrical & Power
Safran Electronics & Defense
Safran Helicopter Engines
Safran Landing Systems
Safran Nacelles
Safran Passenger Solutions
Safran Seats
Safran Transmission Systems
ArianeGroup (50% ownership)
PowerJet (50% ownership)
Website safran-group.com

Safran S.A. is a French multinational aerospace, defence and security corporation headquartered in Paris. It designs, develops and manufactures both commercial and military aircraft engines; launch vehicle, spacecraft and missile propulsion systems; as well as various other aerospace and military equipment and devices. The company was founded in 2005 through a merger between the aerospace engine manufacturer SNECMA and the electronics specialist SAGEM. Safran's subsequent acquisition of Zodiac Aerospace in 2018 significantly expanded its aeronautical activities.

Contents

Employing over 92,000 people and generating 23.2 billion euros in revenue in 2023, the company is listed on the Euronext stock exchange and is part of the CAC 40 and Euro Stoxx 50. [4]

Name

The name Safran was chosen from 4,250 suggestions, including 1,750 proposed by employees. [5] [6] As a holding company for many subsidiaries, the name was deemed suitable for the suggestion of direction, movement, and strategy. Safran translates as rudder blade and as saffron, which the company highlights as one of the catalysts for early international trade. [7]

History

Origins

In 1905 Louis Seguin created the company Gnome. [8] Production of the first rotary engine for airplanes, the Gnome Omega, started in 1909. [8] This company merged with Le Rhône, a company created in 1912 by Louis Verdet, to form the Gnome et Rhône engine company. [8] Gnome & Rhône was nationalized in 1945, creating Snecma. [8] In 2000, this company gave its name to the “Snecma Group”, and carried out a number of acquisitions to form a larger group with an array of complementary businesses. [8]

Sagem (Société d’Applications Générales de l’Electricité et de la Mécanique) was created in 1925 by Marcel Môme. [8] In 1939, Sagem entered the telephone and transmissions market by taking control of Société anonyme des télécommunications (SAT). It acquired Société de Fabrication d’Instruments de Mesure (Sfim), a measurement instrument specialist, in 1999. However, by 2008 Sagem Mobile and Sagem Communications had been sold. Sagem Mobile became Sagem Wireless in January 2009. [9]

Safran Group

The Safran Group was created on 11 May 2005 with the merger of Snecma and Sagem SA. [8]

In June 2014, Arianespace CEO Stéphane Israël announced that European efforts to remain competitive in response to SpaceX's recent success have begun in earnest. This included the creation of a new joint venture company from Arianespace's two largest shareholders: the launch-vehicle producer Airbus and engine-producer Safran. [10]

By May 2015, Safran had created with Airbus Group a launcher joint venture called Airbus Safran Launchers. [11] This entity developed the Ariane 6 launch vehicle for its initial flights in July 2024. [12]

In January 2017, Safran initiated a takeover of the aircraft interior supplier Zodiac Aerospace to create the third largest aerospace supplier with $22.5 billion revenue, behind United Technologies with $28.2 billion and GE Aviation with $24.7 billion; the new group will be 92,000-employee strong, with 48% of its business in aircraft systems and equipment, from landing gears to seats, 46% in propulsion and 6% in defense. [7]

In May 2017, Safran announced the completion of the sale of its identity and security activities to Advent International for Euro 2.4 billion. [13]

In February 2018, Safran took control of Zodiac Aerospace, significantly expanding its aircraft equipment activities. Zodiac Aerospace has 32,500 employees and generated sales of 5.1 billion euros for its fiscal year ended 31 August 2017. [4]

On 4 June 2018 Boeing and Safran announced their 50-50 partnership to design, build and service auxiliary power units after regulatory and antitrust clearance in the second half of 2018. [4] This could threaten the dominance of Honeywell and United Technologies. [14]

In July 2023, Safran agreed to acquire Raytheon subsidiary Collins Aerospace's actuation and flight controls business unit in an all-cash deal worth $1.8 billion [15] [16] however the Italian government used its Golden Share in Microtecnica to veto the sale in the belief it would give Safran the commercial ability to sabotage Eurofighter components production, RTX is legally challenging the use of the veto. [17]

In September 2024, Safran acquired Preligens, a company that specialises in artificial intelligence for aerospace and defense, for $243.3 million and announced it would become a part of the Safran Electronics & Defense business area. [18]

Group organisation

The Safran group is divided into three main branches: [19]

Aerospace propulsion

The CFM International CFM56, the most widespread turbofan, is produced by a 50-50 joint venture with GE CFM56-2 - Musee Safran (cropped).jpg
The CFM International CFM56, the most widespread turbofan, is produced by a 50-50 joint venture with GE

The aerospace propulsion branch groups all operations concerning the propulsion of aeroplanes, helicopters, missiles, and launchers, for the civil aviation, military aviation, and space markets: design, production, marketing, testing, maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO).

At the October 2018 NBAA convention, Safran presented its ENGINeUS electric motor range up to 500 kW (670 hp) designed for electric aircraft, starting with a 45 kW (60 hp) one with integrated control electronics, with an energy efficiency of over 94% and a power-to-weight ratio of 2.5 kW / kg at 2,500 rpm and 172 N⋅m (127 lb⋅ft) of torque, for a 18-kilogram (40 lb) weight with the controller, 12 kilograms (26 lb) without. [20] Flight-testing may happen in 2019 or 2020. [21]

Other subsidiaries

  • Safran Test Cells, Inc.
  • Smartec
  • SMA Engines
  • Snecma Services Brussels
  • Snecma Suzhou
  • Snecma Xinyi Airfoil Castings

Aircraft Equipment, Defense and Aerosystems

Electric Green Taxiing System made with Messier-Bugatti-Dowty. Electric Green Taxiing System - Messier-Bugatti-Dowty Safran LeBourget2013 F-HGNT 2193.JPG
Electric Green Taxiing System made with Messier-Bugatti-Dowty.

The aircraft equipment branch groups all design, production, sales, and support operations for systems and equipment used by civil and military airplanes and helicopters.

Boeing 777X carbon brakes made by Safran Landing Systems Paris Air Show 2019, Le Bourget (SIAE8886).jpg
Boeing 777X carbon brakes made by Safran Landing Systems

Other subsidiaries

  • SLCA
  • Sofrance
  • Technofan Inc.
  • OEMServices [22]
  • Sagem Avionics
  • Vectronix
  • IdentoGO

Aircraft Interiors

Corporate affairs

Shareholder profile

As of 31 October 2020 [23]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Auxiliary power unit</span> Alternative vehicle power source

An auxiliary power unit (APU), is a device on a vehicle that provides energy for functions other than propulsion. They are commonly found on large aircraft and naval ships as well as some large land vehicles. Aircraft APUs generally produce 115 V AC voltage at 400 Hz (rather than 50/60 Hz in mains supply), to run the electrical systems of the aircraft; others can produce 28 V DC voltage. APUs can provide power through single or three-phase systems. A jet fuel starter (JFS) is a similar device to an APU but directly linked to the main engine and started by an onboard compressed air bottle.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Aerospace manufacturer</span> Company involved in manufacturing aircraft, aircraft parts, missiles, rockets, and/or spacecraft

An aerospace manufacturer is a company or individual involved in the various aspects of designing, building, testing, selling, and maintaining aircraft, aircraft parts, missiles, rockets, or spacecraft. Aerospace is a high technology industry.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">CFM International CFM56</span> Turbofan aircraft engine

The CFM International CFM56 series is a Franco-American family of high-bypass turbofan aircraft engines made by CFM International (CFMI), with a thrust range of 18,500 to 34,000 lbf. CFMI is a 50–50 joint-owned company of Safran Aircraft Engines of France, and GE Aerospace (GE) of the United States. GE produces the high-pressure compressor, combustor, and high-pressure turbine, Safran manufactures the fan, gearbox, exhaust and the low-pressure turbine, and some components are made by Avio of Italy and Honeywell from the US. Both companies have their own final assembly line, GE in Evendale, Ohio, and Safran in Villaroche, France. The engine initially had extremely slow sales but has gone on to become the most used turbofan aircraft engine in the world.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Safran Helicopter Engines</span> French company producing gasturbine turbo shaft engines

Safran Helicopter Engines, previously known as Turbomeca, is a French manufacturer of low- and medium-power gas turbine turboshaft engines for helicopters. The company also produces gas turbine engines for aircraft and missiles, as well as turbines for land, industrial and marine applications.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">CFM International</span> Franco-American aerospace manufacturer

CFM International is a Franco-American aircraft engine manufacturer. The company is a joint venture between GE Aerospace and Safran Aircraft Engines and is headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio. It was founded in 1974 to build and support the CFM56 series of turbofan engines. CFM is the world's largest commercial aircraft engine manufacturer, with a 39% market share as of 2020. It has delivered more than 37,500 of its engines to more than 570 operators. The name CFM is derived from the two parent companies' commercial engine designations: GE's CF series and Snecma's M series.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Safran Aircraft Engines</span> Aircraft and rocket engine manufacturer based in France

Safran Aircraft Engines, previously Snecma or Snecma Moteurs, is a French aerospace engine manufacturer headquartered in Courcouronnes and a subsidiary of Safran. It designs, manufactures and maintains engines for commercial and military aircraft as well as rocket engines for launch vehicles and satellites.

SIA Engineering Company Limited is a Singaporean company specializing in aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services in the Asia-Pacific. It is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Singapore Airlines Group (SIA), formed in 1992 by separating SIA's engineering division.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Safran Landing Systems</span> French landing gear manufacturer

Safran Landing Systems, formerly Messier-Bugatti-Dowty, is the world's largest manufacturer of aircraft landing gear, and is involved in the design, development, manufacture and customer support of all types of aircraft landing gear, wheels and brakes. The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Safran SA. It is based in Vélizy, France, and was founded in 2011.

SAGEM was a French company involved in defense electronics, consumer electronics, and communication systems.

Zodiac Aerospace was a French aerospace group, active from 1896 to 2018, that supplied systems and equipment for aircraft. In October 2018, it was acquired by French aerospace and defense company Safran.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Avio</span> Italian Aerospace Company

Avio S.p.A. is an Italian company operating in the aerospace sector with its head office in Colleferro near Rome, Italy. Founded in 1908, it is present in Italy and abroad with different commercial offices and 10 production sites. Avio operates in:

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hellenic Aerospace Industry</span> Greek aerospace company

Hellenic Aerospace Industry (HAI) is the leading aerospace company of Greece. The company headquarters is located in Tanagra, 65 kilometers north-west of Athens, with the industrial complex covering an area of 200,000 sq.m.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vulcain (rocket engine)</span> French rocket engine

Vulcain is a family of European first stage rocket engines for Ariane 5 and Ariane 6. Its development began in 1988 and the first flight was completed in 1996. The updated version of the engine, Vulcain 2, was first successfully flown in 2005. Both members of the family use liquid oxygen/liquid hydrogen cryogenic fuel. The new version for Ariane 6 is called Vulcain 2.1.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vinci (rocket engine)</span> European rocket engine for upper stages

Vinci is a restartable, cryogenic, liquid-propellant rocket engine that powers the upper stage of Ariane 6. While development began in 1998 for the planned Ariane 5ME upgrade, funding for that programme shifted in 2014 to prioritize the development of Ariane 6, making Vinci the engine for the new launcher.

Airbus Defence and Space is a division of Airbus SE. Formed in 2014 in the restructuring of European Aeronautic Defence and Space (EADS), Airbus SE comprises the former Airbus Military, Astrium, and Cassidian divisions. Contributing 21% of Airbus revenues in 2016, it is the second largest space company in the world.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">ArianeGroup</span> European aerospace company

ArianeGroup is an aerospace company based in France. A joint venture between Airbus and Safran, the company was founded in 2015 and is headquartered in Issy-les-Moulineaux near Paris. It consists of three core groups: aerospace, defence, and security. ArianeGroup has developed its next-generation two-stage Ariane 6 launch vehicle, which succeeded the Ariane 5 rocket, that had more than 110 launches. The new vehicle offers two variants that will be capable of carrying between 10,350 and 21,650 kilograms. The first launch of Ariane 6 occurred on July 9 2024.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Musée aéronautique et spatial Safran</span> Aviation museum in Melun, Seine-et-Marne

The Musée aéronautique et spatial Safran is a French private aviation museum located in Melun, Seine-et-Marne. Established in May 1989 the museum contains a large collection of historic and modern aircraft engines. These engines have been produced by various French engine manufacturers such as Gnome et Rhône and Snecma which are now part of the present day Safran company. The latter is the creator and manager of the museum.

Société d'étude et de réalisation d'engins balistiques or SÉREB was a French aerospace company.

OEMServicesSAS, or OEMS for short, is a French company involved in the maintenance, repair, overhaul, logistics and customer support of commercial aircraft. It is a joint venture between aerospace giants Safran, Thales, Diehl and Liebherr, acting as their AOG and MRO subsidiary for Aircraft Component Maintenance and spillover support.

References

  1. "Olivier Andriès prend les commandes de Safran". 3 January 2021. Retrieved 3 January 2021.
  2. "Safran publishes its full year 2023 results". Safran. Retrieved 15 February 2024.
  3. "OEMServices - Shareholders". OEMServices. Retrieved 28 September 2021.
  4. 1 2 3 4 "Boeing, Safran Agree to Design, Build and Service Auxiliary Power Units" (Press release). June 4, 2018. Safran Archived 2020-09-24 at the Wayback Machine , Boeing
  5. "Sagem et Snecma donnent naissance à " Safran "". Les Echos (in French). 2005-03-21. Retrieved 2019-08-27.
  6. "Snecma and Sagem Merge, Changing Name to Safran". www.defense-aerospace.com. Archived from the original on 2019-01-01. Retrieved 2019-08-27.
  7. 1 2 Thierry Dubois and Jens Flottau (Jan 20, 2017). "Tier 1 Consolidation Continues As Safran Takes Over Zodiac". Aviation Week & Space Technology.
  8. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "Safran Timeline". Safran. Retrieved 2020-02-24.
  9. Carré, Patrice A. (1993). "From the telegraph to the telex: a history of technology, early networks and issues in France in the 19th and 20th centuries". FLUX Cahiers scientifiques internationaux Réseaux et Territoires. 9 (11): 17–31. doi:10.3406/flux.1993.939.
  10. Abbugao, Martin (2014-06-18). "European satellite chief says industry faces challenges". Phys.org. Retrieved 2014-06-19.
  11. de Selding, Peter B. (2015-05-29). "Airbus Safran Agrees to $440 Million Ariane 6 Contribution". Space News. Retrieved 12 June 2015.
  12. de Selding, Peter B. (2015-04-03). "Desire for Competitive Ariane 6 Nudges ESA Toward Compromise in Funding Dispute with Contractor". Space News. Retrieved 8 April 2015.
  13. "Completion of the sale of Safran's identity and security activities" (Press release). Safran. 31 May 2017. Archived from the original on 25 February 2018. Retrieved 15 March 2018.
  14. Stephen Trimble (June 4, 2018). "Boeing and Safran partner to disrupt APU market". Flightglobal.
  15. White, Sarah (July 21, 2023). "Safran to buy Collins flight controls unit for $1.8bn" . Financial Times.
  16. Turpin, Augustin; Hepher, Tim (July 21, 2023). "Safran agrees to buy Collins flight controls business" . Reuters.
  17. "RTX threatens legal action against Italy over Microtecnica sale". 12 January 2024.
  18. "Safran buys AI firm Preligens for 220 million euros". Yahoo Finance. 2024-09-02. Retrieved 2024-09-03.
  19. "Safran modifies the operational management of its equipment activities. New presentation of segment information at June 30, 2019 ". July 1, 2019. Archived from the original on December 20, 2019. Retrieved December 20, 2019.
  20. "Safran unveils an electric motor from its ENGINeUS range, designed for future hybrid and electric aircraft" (Press release). Safran. October 15, 2018. Archived from the original on September 21, 2020. Retrieved October 18, 2018.
  21. Max Kingsley Jones (17 Oct 2018). "NBAA: Safran shows off electric power technology". flightglobal.
  22. "OEMServices Shareholders". OEMServices.
  23. "Capital structure and voting rights". Safran.