Safran’s “starring” role in the Lone Star State’s aerospace industry is marked on National Texas Day

February 2, 2021

During National Texas Day, observed on February 1, Safran spotlighted its significant presence in the Lone Star State – which has one of the strongest aerospace manufacturing industries in the U.S.

Safran is proud to contribute to the aerospace industry in Texas by creating jobs, bringing innovation, and supporting local communities. The Group's Texas presence encompasses 11 businesses and operations: CFAN, CFM Materials, Greenpoint Technologies, Safran Cabin, Safran Electrical & Power, Safran Electronics & Defense, Safran Helicopter Engines, Safran Landing Systems, Safran Power Units, Safran Seats, and Safran USA.

Propulsion: from widebody airliners to helicopters and targets

Texas is home to CFM Materials and CFAN – joint ventures involving the propulsion activities of General Electric and Safran Aircraft Engines.

Grand Prairie-based CFM Materials is the world's largest provider of used serviceable components for jet engines produced by CFM International (which also is a joint venture between Safran Aircraft Engines and GE), which power such aircraft as the single-aisle Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 airliner families. In San Marcos, CFAN produces highly advanced composite fan blades for the high-thrust GE90 and GEnx engines used on widebody Boeing 777s, 787s and 747-8s.

In September 2020, Safran Helicopter Engines celebrated 40 years of operations in Grand Prairie. This company’s 152,000-sq. ft. facility provides helicopter engine assembly, MRO (maintenance, repair and overhaul) services, as well as training solutions for a broad U.S. customer base. The U.S. Coast Guard’s H-65 Dolphin and U.S. Army's UH-72A Lakota helicopters – along with rotorcraft flown by many law enforcement agencies, medical services providers, and civil operators – are powered by Safran’s Texas-assembled Arriel engines.

Safran Power Units (a subsidiary of Safran Helicopter Engines) also has a presence in Grand Prairie, where it provides MRO services for auxiliary power units as well as the gas turbine starting systems in the U.S. Navy’s T-45 trainer jets. Additionally, the company produces and maintains TR60 turbojet engines for the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, and U.S. Army's aerial targets.

Equipment, seats and interiors for airplane cabins

As the world's leading supplier of trolleys, carts, and standard containers, Safran Cabin’s catering operation supports customers through a sales and marketing office in Houston.

Gainesville-based Safran Seats designs, manufactures, certifies, and assembles a full range of passenger seats for airlines of the world.

Greenpoint Technologies, a Safran Passenger Solutions company, is a premier business jet completion center providing turnkey interior completions for private clients and heads-of-state. Its location in Denton handled cabinetry operations for VIP aircraft, along with precision machining.

Avionics, wiring and landing systems from nose to tail

Denton also is home to Safran Electrical & Power, a leader in aircraft electrical systems. The company’s 130,000-sq. ft. facility is dedicated to the production of wire harnesses and panels for a variety of commercial and military airplanes and helicopters, including the Boeing 787 and the Sikorsky UH-60 Blackhawk.

Safran Electronics & Defense offers U.S. customers a broad range of avionics, electromechanical, and lighting solutions for civil and military rotorcraft and fixed-wing aircraft. The company operates a Grand Prairie facility providing MRO services, marketing and sales of avionics equipment. Customers supported at this site include Airbus Helicopters (complete autopilot system of the UH-72A Lakota helicopter) and Bell (flight controls for the Bell 429).  

Safran Landing Systems’ wheel and brake repair and overhaul services network includes a facility located in Grand Prairie.

Shared services with Safran USA

Irving-based Safran USA Shared Services Operations provides human resources, accounting, legal, IT, and administrative in support of Safran companies across North America.