All companies in the SAFRAN group’s Equipment branch are on hand at this year’s Paris Air Show. They are showcasing their products and expertise on their stands, of course, but above all on the many aircraft from around the world that will be in the spotlight for the 46th edition of the show. We interviewed Dominique Hédon, Executive Vice President, Equipment branch

What are some of the “must see” SAFRAN products at this year’s Paris Air Show?

At the top of the list is our contribution to the Airbus 380 program. This ambitious and innovative aircraft represents huge economic stakes for both the manufacturer and all program participants, since the huge investments need to be amortized. It’s also a tremendous development for the airlines, taking them into a whole new era. The A380 is lighter, quieter and less polluting—including the end-of-life phase—than previous-generation planes. Passengers will enjoy greater comfort and airlines will benefit from more capacity, easier maintenance, and enhanced environmental protection.

All companies in the SAFRAN Equipment branch played a role in these advances thanks to an array of innovations. Aircelle enhanced the acoustic performance of the nacelles, substantially reducing noise. Messier-Dowty eliminated the use of chrome for surface treatment of landing gear. This means no more chrome dust on the runway when the aircraft lands, and no dangerous products to be processed when the landing gear are recycled in about 50 years. Hispano-Suiza developed an electrical control system for the thrust reversers that marks a significant step towards “more electric” aircraft. Another example is Technofan fans, which deliver five times more power than those on the A320.

What about other major programs?

On the Boeing 787 we’ve been selected for several key systems. Labinal is providing the wiring, Messier-Dowty the landing gear and Messier-Bugatti the wheels and electric brakes. This program is a good example of the unrelenting commercial and technological competition between Airbus and Boeing.

The Boeing 787 and Airbus A380 are pushing the envelope of innovation and also pushing suppliers, who are continually competing with one another to deliver best-in-class technologies. This constant competition is extremely healthy for equipment makers, as well as for airlines and passengers. It’s equally healthy for the industry and leads to higher quality air transport in general.

Another new aircraft, the Falcon 7X, is a good illustration of efficient teamwork between SAFRAN companies and Dassault, spanning both military and business aircraft.

How has the new SAFRAN group impacted the position of the Equipment branch?

We’re a lot stronger. We have a greater competitive edge to win contracts and we can draw on even more substantial resources and expertise. We’re able to share these resources and expertise and leverage them across the Group’s different activities. Equally important, we have greater financial firepower to invest in technology development.

SAFRAN group companies have been working together for years. Even though there aren’t any products featured at this year’s Air Show that result directly from the merger of Sagem and Snecma, there are already synergies in terms of purchasing—electronic components, for example—creating cost savings. And we’re also benefiting from synergies in terms of technical developments. Sagem Défense Sécurité, for example, is going to develop the overspeed control unit for the SaM146 engine for Hispano-Suiza, which is the contractor for the engine control system.

Commercial synergies are already very visible: after all, we’re exhibiting together at the Paris Air Show!