Safran highlights its commitment to sustainable aviation during annual aerospace and defense industry summit

Peter Lengyel, the President & CEO of Safran USA, gave a presentation on the topic of “Engineering Clean Energy: How We’re Striving Towards Becoming a Zero Emissions Organization.” Lengyel outlined Safran’s climate strategy, which is based on the following commitments: drive innovation to decarbonize aviation; be exemplary in the reduction of CO₂ from our operations; support our supply chain to meet Paris Agreement goals; and develop a sustainable workplace and promote employee initiatives.

To illustrate Safran’s continued focus on decarbonizing aviation, Lengyel discussed technologies being developed for ultra-efficient aircraft, with the recent example of the RISE engine program between Safran and GE. The program targets more than 20 percent lower fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions compared to today’s engines.  

Attendees also learned about Safran’s efforts to support the deployment of low-carbon fuels, with the example of the Bell 505’s first flight fueled solely by 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), which took place in Grand Prairie, Texas earlier this year. Powered by Safran Helicopter Engines’ Arrius 2R engine, this was the first-ever single engine helicopter to fly with 100% SAF.  

Highlighting the application of electric and hybrid propulsion systems for aircraft, Lengyel pointed to successful collaboration with companies involving Safran Electrical & Power’s ENGINeUS™ electric smart motors. One such application is the EcoPulse™ distributed electric propulsion demonstrator – developed jointly with Airbus and Daher – which recently completely its first flight in hybrid-electric mode. 

While discussing initiatives to curb emissions from Safran’s industrial sites, Lengyel mentioned Safran Helicopter Engines’ recently commissioned solar panel solar canopy system. Comprised of 9 solar canopies featuring more than 1,500 solar panels manufactured in Texas, the system provides 180 covered parking spaces at the company’s Grand Prairie location. It is expected to generate enough energy to offset between 15-25% of the facility’s energy consumption.

Additionally, Peter Lengyel joined leaders from Boeing, Raytheon Technologies, and Leonardo DRS in a panel discussion analyzing industry trends.

The American Aerospace & Defense Summit is a leadership-focused event covering the topics of supply chain, manufacturing, engineering and technology, along with quality in the American aerospace and defense industry sectors.