The US giant Boeing and Safran have received regulatory approvals for a joint venture so they can begin designing, building and servicing aircraft Auxiliary Power Units (APUs), which are the onboard engines that are primarily used to start the main engines and power aircraft systems while on the ground and, if necessary, in flight.
The companies also named Etienne Boisseau as Chief Executive Officer of the joint venture which establishes a partnership between two of the world's leading aerospace companies to work together on APU products and expanded service capabilities. Both companies will take a 50% stake in the joint venture and the initial team will perform design work in San Diego, California.
The joint venture between the two companies is causing concern in the aviation power industry as a number o other firms have dealings with Safran. Various helicopters, Airbus and Sukhoi aircraft use Safran APU's and are worried the Boeing tie-up with not only cause interference in their own business dealings with Safran, but it will also cause delays to the availability of APU's, parts and servicing. Many see this tie-up as yet another step forward in Boeing's underhand development plans to stealthily take control of various supply chains and parts manufacturers to increase costs to other aircraft makers or cut supplies completely.
"Safran is proud to launch this joint venture with Boeing in order to offer state-of-the-art APUs and enhance customer value. Together, we are committed to delivering innovative, highly technological and cost-competitive solutions to global customers. We are confident this joint team will provide first-class products and services within the best integrated industrial organization," said Philippe Petitcolin, CEO of Safran.
