Safran, Albany International extend strategic cooperation on advanced composites

Engine manufacturer Safran Aircraft Engines (Paris, France) and Albany International Corp. (Rochester, N.H., U.S.), a developer and manufacturer of engineered composite components, have extended their partnership to 2046. Through this new agreement, the two companies declare an intent to work together on next-generation engines and thus contribute to the 2050 net-zero CO₂ emissions commitment of the aviation industry.

Albany International and Safran signed the original framework agreement in 2006, resulting in the creation of a joint venture for the development of high technology (i.e., 3D-woven and resin transfer molded (RTM)) composite parts designed for aircraft engines, landing gears and nacelles.

The 3D-woven composite technology designed and developed by Safran in partnership with Albany Engineered Composites (AEC), continues to plays a key role in improving the performance of CFM International’s — a 50/50 joint company between Safran Aircraft Engines and GE Aviation (Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S.) — LEAP engine, which powers the Airbus A320neo, Boeing 737 MAX and Comac C919 aircraft families. This advanced material is used to manufacture the engine’s fan blades, fan case and spacers, reportedly leading to significant weight savings and contributing to reduced fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions by 15%. Safran and Albany have also teamed up to work on the development and production of the GE9X 3D composite fan case for the Boeing 777X.

In order to address unprecedented LEAP production ramp up, the partners have also built three state-of-the-art production plants in Rochester, N.H., Commercy, France and in Querétaro, Mexico. These three sites are dedicated to 3D composite parts and delivered to date more than 130,000 parts dedicated to the LEAP engine.

“We are pleased to extend our partnership with Safran, building on the success of Albany’s proprietary 3D weaving technology and our joint efforts on critical components of the LEAP and GE9X engine programs,” says Bill Higgins, Albany International president and CEO. “The goals set for the next generation of aircraft engines are multi-faceted and technically demanding. Our AEC team is looking forward to further collaboration with our Safran partners to apply our advanced composite technologies to the next generation of aircraft engines that meaningfully raise the bar for fuel efficiency and contribute to a more sustainable future.”

Moreover, CFM will keep exploring composite applications through the RISE (Revolutionary Innovation for Sustainable Engines) technology and demonstration program launched in 2021 as a manifestation of its deep commitment for achieving aggressive goals for a sustainable future, including reducing fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions by more than 20% (see “CFM RISE program targets composites, additive manufacturing and hybrid electric”).

“Based on the successful partnership we have developed with Albany on the LEAP program, we are looking forward to starting a new chapter of our strategic cooperation,” concludes Jean-Paul Alary, CEO of Safran Aircraft Engines. “Combining Albany’s recognized expertise in weaving with our innovative composites represents a fantastic asset to address our ambitious sustainable goals through next-generation engine programs.”