Aerospace
Safran is a major supplier of aircraft engines and equipment in Australia and New Zealand, with 17 operators having already chosen CFM56 ® * or LEAP ® * (successor to the CFM56) engines. Customers include Qantas Airways and its subsidiary Jetstar, as well as Virgin Australia. More than 400 CFM56 engines are now operating in the region.
Working closely with these operators, Safran also provides landing gear, wheels, brakes and associated systems for Airbus and Boeing commercial airplanes, along with a complete range of services for nacelles.
Safran is also the only manufacturer of helicopter turbine engines offering technical support services in the region. With a facility at Bankstown Airport in Sydney, Safran covers Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and nearby islands. Today, more than 500 Safran-powered helicopters are deployed in the region.
*Developed and produced by CFM International, a 50/50 joint company between Safran Aircraft Engines and GE.
Defense
Safran is also a leading player in the region's defense market, a position we have established since the 1990s. For instance, Safran provides optronics and avionics systems for some of the main platforms operated in the region, including the Tiger ARH and MRH90 helicopters deployed by Australian and New Zealand defense forces, along with complete support services.
Safran also makes inertial navigation systems for Huon class offshore minehunters and Collins class submarines, along with Infrared Search and Track (IFSR) systems for several navies in the region.
From our facility at Bankstown Airport, Safran provides local customer support for systems deployed by armies, navies and air forces.
Committed to local development
Safran has become a key partner to Australian universities in recent years. In particular, we have developed apprenticeship programs through the TAFE (Technical and Further Education) initiative, covering mechanics, logistics and business management.
Safran also makes an active contribution to Research & Development in Australia, for example by working with Monash University and Amaero Additive Manufacturing. This collaboration led to the world's first 3D-printed jet engine. It was developed with support from the Australian government, via the Australian Research Council, Cooperative Research Centers, the Commercialisation Australia program, and the Science and Industry Endowment Fund.
Safran has always been involved in local business communities. Today, we're a member of the Franco-Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which promotes the expertise offered by French companies operating in Australia, and we are a member of the European Australian Business Council, one of the most effective associations of this type in the country. Safran also belongs to the main industry organizations in the aerospace field, including the Australian Industry Group Defence Council, the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, the Sydney Aerospace & Defence Industry Group and Aviation Aerospace Australia.
