Paris Le Bourget, June 15, 2005.

Further to a first agreement signed last December for the GEnx booster stators, Techspace Aero has extended its partnership with General Electric on this program. Part of the SAFRAN Group, the Belgian company was already responsible for the design, the development and the production of the GEnx low pressure compressor stators. With the new agreement signed at Paris Air Show, Techspace Aero is in charge of the whole stators technologies (including stator vanes) and will assemble the low pressure compressors. The company is also in final discussions with General Electric to take the fan disk in its part share. This would make its participation as a risk and revenue sharing partner up near 5% of the whole engine.

This success confirms the worldwide recognition of Techspace Aero’s expertise in low pressure compressors for aeronautics propulsion systems. It is also the result of rewarding cooperation with General Electric on several programs (CFM56 and GE 90 through Snecma, F110 and CF 34-10 E & A directly with General Electric).

“The capacity of Techspace Aero to lead the project in a very short development planning was a solid asset to respond to General Electric challenges. We’re very excited being part of this very innovative and promising engine” concluded Philippe Schleicher, Chief Executive Officer of Techspace Aero.

The GEnx was selected by Boeing to power the 787 twin-engine range with entry into service in 2008 as well as the probable 747 Advanced. It will also equip the Airbus A350, which is due to enter service in 2010. This very fuel-efficient engine, rated at 50,000 to 70,000 pounds thrust, is designed to perform with reduced (up to 15%) fuel consumption. The first Techspace Aero’s deliveries are due to January 2006 to allow the first test engine to run on March 2006. Engine certification is planned by mid-2007.

***

Techspace Aero designs, develops and produces modules and equipment for aircraft and space engines. The company also specializes in the maintenance, repair and testing of engines, as well as in the design and installation of engine test cells. Part of the SAFRAN Group (51% of its capital), Techspace Aero employs 1,200 people with sales 271 million euros in 2004.