Safran plans engine maintenance in India

Location to be decided along with local partner

BY A CORRESPONDENT
February 6, 2006

European aerospace major Safran is eyeing the Indian market. It has long-term plans to enter the Indian market, with focus on the defence sector. Last year, Safran set up R&D facilities in India and doubled its workforce.

SAFRAN along its four subsidiaries Turbomeca, Sagem DS, Microturbo and Vectronix are participating in the DEFEXPO-06. The company recently set up two Indian units - 100% subsidiary Turbomeca Turbo chargers Industrial India and a 50:50 joint venture, Snecma-HAL Aerospace Pvt Ltd - to develop the Shakti engine with HAL for the Dhruv helicopter.

Safran also plans to set up a civilian aircraft engine maintenance facility in the country with a local partner. the location for the facility has not been decided yet. Said senior vice president (international development) for Safran, Francois Courtot: "We are planning to set up a aircraft engine maintenance and overhaul facility in India for CFM56 engines. The decision has been taken and everything will be finalised in the next few months."

CFM56 is a JV between GE aircraft engines and Safran subsidiary Snecma Moteurs.