Safran Aircraft Engines is to invest €36 million (US$41 million) in the creation of a 13,000 square meter plant, including 8,000 square meters of workshops, to make parts tor the LEAP turbofan engine from CMF International. CMF International is a 50/50 joint company between Safran Aircraft Engines and GE.
Construction is due to commence mid-June this year with completion in 2020. Initially the plant will have approximately 50 employees, which will rise to roughly 300 at full capacity, with parts production also commencing in 2020.
“We’re delighted to open a new chapter in our long history with the Indian aerospace industry, thus reasserting Safran’s commitment to our “Make in India” strategy”, said Philippe Petitcolin, CEO of Safran. “Aerospace continues to be a significant driver of India’s growth, and we want to fully support this dynamic by bolstering our investments and training programs in the country.”
When operating at full speed in 2023, the plant will be able to produce 15,000 parts per year to support the LEAP’s sustained production rate. CFM is set to deliver 1,800 engines in 2019, rising to 2,000 starting in 2020. The new-generation LEAP entered service in 2016 and powers more than 700 Airbus A320neo and Boeing 737 MAX commercial airliners, including 54 operated by Indian airlines.
