Safran - an international high-technology group, operating in the aircraft propulsion and equipment, space and defense markets – is expected to begin construction work for the new plant in Hyderabad (Telangana) in June 2019. As per the announcement made during Aero India Show, the new plant will make parts for the LEAP turbofan engine from CFM International - a 50:50 joint company between Safran Aircraft Engines and GE. With this new Safran Aircraft Engines plant in Hyderabad, Safran is expanding its local footprint, while also leveraging synergies with the Indian aerospace industry.

 

Safran will invest Euro 36 million in this new plant, which is expected to start producing the first parts in early 2020. The plant will have about 50 employees by the end of the year to launch operations, and will reach a workforce of 300. All employees will benefit from a complete training program. The plant will be based on Safran's highest standards for industrial processes and machinery, including real-time monitoring of production parameters, and the latest integrated inspection methods. When the plant hits cruise speed in 2023, it will be able to deliver 15,000 parts per year to support the LEAP's sustained production rate. CFM is set to deliver 1,800 engines this year, 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.

 

Safran has operated in India for some 65 years, and now has over 600 employees at seven companies which provide design, production and support services for aerospace and defense, plus a maintenance training center in Hyderabad for CFM engines.