In a joint announcement from Chicago and Paris, Boeing and Safran have confirmed that the 50:50 joint venture to produce Auxiliary Power Units (APUs) has received regulatory approval. This will enable the two companies to commence with designing, building and servicing aircraft APUs -onboard engines that are primarily used to start the main engines and power aircraft systems while on the ground and, if necessary, in flight. The initial team will perform design work in San Diego, California.
Commenting on the news, Philippe Petitcolin, CEO of Safran, confirmed that “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,”
Safran currently supplies a wide range of components to Boeing commercial and defense programs, 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.
It has also been announced that Etienne Boisseau will become the Chief Executive Officer of the joint venture.
