Industry APU Joint Venture between Boeing and Safran to start operations

The agreement establishes a joint venture between two major aerospace companies. Both companies hold a 50 percent stake in the JV. Etienne Boisseau was named Chief Executive Officer of the joint venture. His team will perform design work in San Diego, United States.

With the approval, Boeing and Safran hope to begin building, designing and servicing aircraft Auxiliary Power Units (APUs). APUs are on-board engines that are mostly used to start the engines and to power all aircraft systems while on ground.

Philippe Petitcolin, CEO of Safran commented: "Safran is proud to launch this joint venture with Boeing in order to offer state-of-the-art APUs and enhance customer value. Together, we are committed to delivering innovative, highly technological and cost-competitive solutions to global customers. We are confident this joint team will provide first-class products and services within the best integrated industrial organization."

Stan Deal, President and CEO of Boeing Global Services added: "This joint venture strengthens Boeing's vertical capabilities as we continue to expand our services portfolio. By making strategic investments that accelerate our growth plans, we also are providing our customers with expanded, innovative services solutions."

Both Safran and Boeing seek to utilize their specific knowledge in the aviation sector to bring the project forward. While Boeing is known for its customer and aircraft knowledge, Safran´s experience in producing propulsion systems will help the joint venture to be successful.

Safran has previously been working together with Boeing. The company is supplying a range of Boeing programs with components. For example, Safran is a partner to produce CFM LEAP-1B engines for Boeing´s 737 MAX series. In addition, Boeing and Safran are partners in MATIS, a Moroccan joint venture that produces wiring products.

Being an international high-technology group, Safran has a global presence with over 58,000 employees. The company is not only working in the commercial aviation sector, but also in the defence area. This year in February, Safran took control of Zodiac Aerospace.