“Safer Skies Ahead: Safran and Albany International Join Forces for Cutting-Edge Composite Innovations”
Safran Aircraft Engines, a renowned manufacturer in the aviation sector, and Albany International Corp. (NYSE: AIN), a premier innovator and producer of engineered composite materials, today revealed an arrangement extending their alliance until the year 2046. This fresh agreement signifies the intent of both companies to collaborate on upcoming generation engines, thereby contributing to the aviation industry’s aim of achieving net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050.
Albany International and Safran initiated their original framework agreement in 2006, leading to the establishment of their joint venture for high-tech composite component development (3D woven and Resin Transfer Molded technologies) tailored for aircraft engines, landing gears, and nacelles.
The 3D-woven composite technology developed by Safran in collaboration with Albany Engineered Composites represents a groundbreaking advancement that plays a vital role in enhancing the LEAP engine performance, produced by CFM International[1]. This engine powers various aircraft families, including the Airbus A320neo, Boeing 737 MAX, and Comac C919. This cutting-edge material is utilized to fabricate fan blades, fan cases, and spacers of the LEAP engine, resulting in significant weight reductions and a 15% decrease in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Safran and Albany are also jointly working on the design and manufacturing of the GE9X 3D composite fan case for the Boeing 777X.
To meet the extraordinary demand for LEAP engines, the partnership has developed three state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities located in Rochester (New Hampshire, United States), Commercy (France), and Querétaro (Mexico). These facilities specialize in 3D composite components and have successfully delivered over 130,000 parts for the LEAP engine to date.
”We are thrilled to extend our alliance with Safran, building upon the achievements of Albany’s exclusive 3D weaving technology and our joint initiatives in critical components for the LEAP and GE9X engine programs,” stated Bill Higgins, President and CEO of Albany International. “The targets established for the new generation of aircraft engines are complex and technically challenging. Our AEC team is eager for further collaboration with our Safran counterparts to leverage our advanced composite technologies in producing aircraft engines that significantly enhance fuel-efficiency and promote a sustainable future.”
“Given the successful relationship we have fostered with Albany on the LEAP initiative, we are excited to commence a new phase in our strategic alliance,” said Jean-Paul Alary, Chief Executive Officer of Safran Aircraft Engines. “Integrating Albany’s acknowledged weaving proficiency with our pioneering composites is a tremendous advantage in pursuing our ambitious sustainable objectives through next-generation engine programs.”
CFM will continue to investigate composite applications via the RISE (Revolutionary Innovation for Sustainable Engines) technology and demonstration initiative launched in 2021, reflecting its strong commitment to achieving bold sustainable goals, such as reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by over 20 percent.
