Safran Aircraft Engines has confirmed to Aciturri Aeroengines the adjudication of the Housing Bearing (HB5) of LEAP 1B, the engine that drives the Boeing 737 Max. The component, similar to the HB5 of LEAP 1A that Aciturri already supplies to Safran, fulfills the same function but it presents additiies.
Production will be carried out in the Ircio factory (Miranda de Ebro), where Aciturri Aeroengines has the machining technology and integration capabilities necessary to tackle the new project. The Safran and Aciturri teams have already started working with the goal of reaching full production in the second half of 2019. The combined demand forecast of HB5 of LEAP 1A and 1B will also require new investments to increase the capacity of machining of Ircio in 2019 and 2020.
Aciturri Aeroengines is a supplier for the main engine manufacturers: Safran Aircraft Engines, Rolls Royce, General Electric and ITP Aero in the LEAP, CFM, PW800, GTF, T1000, T7000, TXWB, T700, T900 and TP400 programs.
Meanwhile, Safran has also agreed a new joint venture (JV) with Boeing to jointly design, build and service Auxiliary Power Units (APUs). Both companies will have a 50% stake in the partnership, which will be based in the United States. The completion of the transaction is subject to customary conditions including regulatory and antitrust clearance. The deal is expected to close in the second-half of 2018.
"This strategic partnership will leverage Boeing's deep customer and airplane knowledge along with Safran's experience in designing and producing complex propulsion assemblies to deliver expanded, innovative services solutions to our customers," said Stan Deal, President and CEO, Boeing Global Services.
Boeing and Safran also are partners in MATIS, a joint venture in Morocco producing wiring products for several airframe and engine companies.
"This will represent a new step in the long-lasting and fruitful partnership between Safran and Boeing. We are extremely proud of the continued confidence that Boeing has placed in our company. Safran has contributed to prestigious international military and civil programs, providing reliable, high-performance APU systems since 1962. Together we are committed to delivering advanced APUs and world-class support to our customers," said Philippe Petitcolin, Chief Executive Officer of Safran. "This partnership will have no impact on our 2018 guidance nor on our plan to return Euro 2.3 billion cash to shareholders over 18 to 24 months."
"This move will strengthen Boeing's vertical capabilities as we continue to expand our services portfolio and make strategic investments that accelerate our growth plans," said Greg Smith, Boeing Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President of Enterprise Performance & Strategy. "The establishment of the joint venture will have no impact on Boeing's 2018 guidance or on our commitment to returning approximately 100 percent of free cash flow to shareholders.