Safran is ramping up its presence at NBAA as it gains major traction in the business aviation propulsion market with its new-generation Silvercrest engine.
The Snecma powerplant has scored a major breakthrough following its selection by Dassault Aviation for the French airframer’s all-new long-range, large-cabin Falcon 5X.
Safran company Aircelle’s PERT thrust-reverser system has also been selected for the 5X, as well as for the Cessna Longitude, which was the first announced application for the Silvercrest. Aircelle is meanwhile using NBAA to unveil the nacelle it is supplying for Bombardier’s Learjet 85.
Another Safran subsidiary, Microturbo, is displaying the recently certificated e-APU auxiliary power system, which is set to make its debut onboard AgustaWestland’s AW189 helicopter.
Safran CEO Peter Lengyel. Image credit: Billypix
“Safran Group is better described as a partner rather than a supplier,” says Safran USA president and CEO Peter Lengyel. North America now represents 20% of Safran Group’s total revenue.
“We have grown significantly in the USA over the last few years,” he says, adding that the group as a whole now employs more than 7,000 staff in 58 locations across 22 states.
“The USA is a great place to invest. We continue to look for additional partners, which is why we’ve committed to a larger, more visible presence at NBAA.
“The economic downturn has done nothing to decrease competition,” he adds. “We are here to clarify what our value proposition is for our customers.”
The company is focused on building the support infrastructure that will be required to support power-by-the-hour maintenance contracts when the Silvercrest goes into service from 2017.
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Source: Flight Daily News