Boeing has awarded Saft a contract to fit all its new 777 and 777X airliners with onboard rechargeable nickel-cadmium battery systems.

The systems comprise ULM ultra-low maintenance EverskyTM batteries combined with a dedicated charger. The new Saft battery system is designed to offer Boeing 777 operators superior performance and a lower total cost of ownership (TCO) due to extended maintenance intervals. Customers can retrofit existing 777 aircraft with these new systems distributed by Boeing Global Services subsidiary Aviall.

New contract as first tier supplier

The 777 contract, which will apply to all new aircraft delivered from the first quarter of 2019, is Saft’s first direct contract with Boeing as a first-tier supplier/integrator. Saft has been providing batteries to Boeing for more than 30 years working via integrators. Saft also has a long-standing relationship with Aviall to offer extensive product and related service support for the worldwide commercial aircraft fleet.

The Boeing 777 battery system provides onboard power for APU (auxiliary power unit) starting and backup for critical systems. It comprises a 60 Ah, 24 V ULM battery together with a charger. Two battery systems are fitted to each aircraft.

Saft ULM aviation batteries have an established track record with major aircraft and helicopter manufacturers. They offer Boeing a combination of high performance, low weight, long service life and ultra-low maintenance requirements which enable significant reductions in the TCO for commercial aircraft. The ULM design also benefits from easily replaceable spare parts as well as the capability to be stored for long periods – up to 10 years – with no deterioration in performance.

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