Boeing and Safran have agreed to enter a joint venture to design, build and service auxiliary power units (APUs).

An APU is an onboard engine that is used to primarily start the main engines and power aircraft systems on the ground and, if necessary, in flight.

The agreement will establish what Boeing and Safran call “an important relationship between two of the world’s leading aerospace companies to work together on products and expanded service capabilities to benefit both customers and the industry at large”.

Both companies will have a 50% stake in the partnership, which will be based in the United States.

Strategic partnership

Stan Deal, President and CEO, Boeing Global Services, commented: “This strategic partnership will leverage Boeing’s deep customer and airplane knowledge along with Safran’s experience in designing and producing complex propulsion assemblies to deliver expanded, innovative services solutions to our customers.”

Safran currently supplies a wide range of components to Boeing commercial and defence programmes, including as a partner to produce CFM’s LEAP-1B engine for the 737 MAX (through CFM International, a 50/50 JV between Safran Aircraft Engines and GE). Boeing and Safran also are partners in MATIS, a joint venture in Morocco producing wiring products for several airframe and engine companies.

Philippe Petitcolin, Chief Executive Officer of Safran, added: “This will represent a new step in the long-lasting and fruitful partnership between Safran and Boeing. We are extremely proud of the continued confidence that Boeing has placed in our company. Safran has contributed to prestigious international military and civil programs, providing reliable, high-performance APU systems since 1962. Together we are committed to delivering advanced APUs and world-class support to our customers.”

The completion of the transaction is subject to customary conditions including regulatory and antitrust clearance. The deal is expected to close in the second-half of 2018.

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter