In collaboration for the Leap Engine Program
Earlier this week, we announced the signing of a new decade-long contract with Safran Aircraft Engines, one of the world’s leading players in aircraft engines. This contract will encompass the production of shafts for assembly and spare parts for the Leap engine program.
This agreement marks a new chapter in the long-term partnership between GKN Aerospace Norway AS (GAN) and Safran Aircraft Engines (SAE). The Leap engine is a key component in the Airbus A320neo and Boeing 737MAX aircraft models, partially replacing the well-established CFM56 program, which has been a central area of collaboration for GKN for over 35 years.
For us, this contract represents a fresh start and a significant opportunity to showcase our expertise as a “Center of Excellence” in shafts within GKN. The initial shafts are expected to be delivered from GAN to Safran Aircraft Engines in Paris in the second half of 2024, signifying a crucial commitment to maintaining high quality and precision in production.
GKN Aerospace and Safran have had a close collaboration for several decades, with successful partnerships related to CFM56 and GE90 engines, as well as the development program for RISE technology, representing next-generation engines.
Who is Safran Aircraft Engines?
Safran Aircraft Engines is a leading player in the aviation industry and a part of the Safran Group, a large French multinational company specializing in aviation, aerospace, defense, and security. Safran Aircraft Engines specifically focuses on the design, production, and maintenance of aircraft engines. They supply engines to a wide range of aircraft, including commercial airplanes, military aircraft, and helicopters. The company is known for its technological innovation and its commitment to delivering reliable and efficient solutions to the aviation industry.
Tor Helge Norendal Vaaer, Program Director for GKN Aerospace Engines, commented on the agreement, emphasizing its significance:
“This is a significant agreement and an important milestone in our partnership with Safran. LEAP is at the forefront of the industry, and we are proud to increase our presence on the engine today, while continuing to explore new technological developments for the next generation RISE engine.”
Nicola Armstrong, Managing Director of GKN Aerospace Norway AS, shares this enthusiasm and adds:
“This agreement with Safran Aircraft Engines (SAE) is of tremendous importance to us. It not only marks a new significant milestone in our already established partnership, but it also strengthens our position as a leading supplier of shafts in the industry. We look forward to continuing our close collaboration with SAE and continuing to explore and develop new technology to deliver leading engine solutions to the aviation industry.”
Through this contract, we clearly demonstrate our position as a market-leading player in the aerospace industry. Our dedication to delivering innovative technologies and services to global customers is well-known, and we take pride in our expertise in the production of advanced components and systems for the aviation industry, with a strong commitment to quality, safety, and sustainability in all that we do.
