Aerospace suppliers in the COVID-19 era: the viewpoint from Safran USA’s Peter Lengyel

November 18, 2020

The aerospace industry perspective from a Tier 1 supplier viewpoint in today’s challenging times was provided by Safran USA President and CEO Peter Lengyel during this month’s Global Aerospace Webinar, organized by the Ohio Aerospace Institute (OAI).

Joining representatives from the International Trade Administration, as well as aerospace specialists from U.S. Embassy offices globally, Lengyel’s overview during the virtual event included the Safran Group’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

He outlined how Safran businesses have taken steps to safeguard the well-being of employees with stringent health and safety protocols, while adapting the workforce and its organization to the pandemic’s market impact.

Meeting Safran’s commitments to customers

Overall, Safran’s strategy is to maintain operations in meeting the commitments for its customers – from the commercial aviation sector to its government and military operators – while ensuring safe working and manufacturing procedures worldwide, Lengyel explained.

Throughout the pandemic, Safran has applied its product innovation to assist medical workers, including collaborating with Segula Technologies to adapt the Easybreath Subea snorkeling mask from sports retailer Decathlon for use in hospitals. Safran products also have been adapted for medical use, and the company has 3D printed spare parts for ventilators.

Looking ahead, Lengyel noted that the company’s aircraft cabin interior products are being updated with innovation to tailor them for the anticipated post-pandemic upturn in airline travel.

Continuing the focus on “green aviation”

Safran’s forward-oriented thinking continues to focus on making aviation an even more sustainable industry, he added, including “green” initiatives such as contributing to the development of aircraft with low carbon signatures, the support for deployment of sustainable fuels, and the pursuit of electric and hybrid propulsion systems for aircraft.

Safran in Ohio

As a key contributor to the Ohio aerospace industry, Safran is a member of the Ohio Aerospace Institute. The organization collaborates with members in government, industry, and academia to accelerate Ohio’s aerospace workforce development through a global network of connections, educational programs, and cutting-edge information.

At its Twinsburg operation, Safran develops and maintains electrical power generation, control, and distribution systems for commercial and military aircraft. The state of Ohio is home to two other Safran companies – both located in the Cincinnati area: CFM International (the 46 year-old joint company of Safran Aircraft Engines and GE for the highly successful CFM and LEAP turbofan jet engines) and the support office that oversees Safran USA’s engine supply chain in the United States.