The Hindu Business Line : European major Safran to be in full force at air show

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Bangalore Jan. 27 European aerospace major Safran will be present in full strength at the February Aero India 2007 here, showcasing its latest aeroengines and products for military and civil aircraft.

Mr Jean-Paul Béchat, CEO, will lead a delegation of senior officials this year too. At least seven group companies are participating in the show that is being held during February 7-11, according to a Safran release here.

Mr Béchat was quoted as saying: "The last two years have been extremely significant for Safran's activities in India. The group, through its various companies, has entered into a number of agreements for the development of both the defence and civil aircraft industry in India. Safran eagerly looks forward to participating in Aero India 2007." The show, according to him, will give the group companies an opportunity to further explore co-operation opportunities with Indian aerospace establishments.

Safran is a global major in aerospace propulsion, defence and security, aerospace equipment and communications for both fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters. Nearly half-a-dozen of its companies have taken up 2600 sq ft of exhibition space. Turbomeca will display Shakti/Ardiden, the new engine co-developed with HAL for Dhruv. Snecma will showcase SaM 146, the new generation engine for the Sukhoi Superjet 100 regional aircraft.

The company recently signed an MoU with Indian for MRO services, apart from supplying its CFM 56 engines to leading commercial airlines to power their respective fleets. During the 2005 air show, it signed a broad agreement to form a production joint venture between HAL and Snecma.

In 2003, it signed three major contracts for the delivery and development of the engine for HAL's advanced light helicopter `Dhruv'.

Sagem Défense Sécurité will bring on its tactical UAV, Sperwer, which has been used in Afghanistan. A leader in upgrade programmes, the company will present a total set of solutions for helicopters and fighter aircraft.

Messier-Bugatti, which has a good market share in the country, will put on show its carbon brakes for a range of Airbus and Boeing aircraft. Among the exhibits will be SAPHIR 100/329 engine and the TRI 60 engine that powers the Lakshya target aircraft.