Safran Aircraft Engines has unveiled plans to establish a cutting-edge foundry in Rennes, Brittany, France, dedicated to the production of turbine blades for its key engine programmes: the M88 in the defence sector and the CFM International LEAP in commercial aviation.
The operations will be consolidated under the newly formed entity, Safran Turbine Airfoils, situated at the heart of the La Janais industrial excellence cluster in Rennes. The facility is expected to employ approximately 200 individuals initially, with potential for future expansion. Set to commence operations in 2027, the facility will contribute to Safran’s global production network for advanced fan blades.
Olivier Andriès, CEO of Safran, expressed enthusiasm, stating, “We are delighted to announce the establishment of this new production facility in a dynamic and appealing region. The strategic decision to position Safran Turbine Airfoils here in France underscores our commitment to the country’s national sovereignty and industrial renaissance. We aim to showcase Safran Turbine Airfoils as a model of innovation, industrial efficiency, and energy performance.”
The new facility will collaborate closely with the company’s historic foundry in Gennevilliers, near Paris, adhering to the highest energy performance standards. It will incorporate innovative processes and streamlined logistics flows connecting with the company’s other production sites in the Paris region.
The LEAP engine, operational since 2016, has demonstrated a 15% reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions on the Airbus A320neo and Boeing 737 MAX families of the latest-generation narrow-body airliners. The LEAP engine aligns with Safran’s commitment to decarbonise aviation. In 2021, Safran initiated the ‘CFM RISE’ technology demonstrator programme, aiming to further decrease the carbon footprint of next-generation aircraft engines by 20% by 2035.
