Safran Helo Engines Emerges a Stronger Firm Post Covid

Safran Helicopter Engines (Booth 6011) survived two years of Covid-19 to come out a stronger company, CEO Franck Saudo said on Tuesday at Heli-Expo, saying the engine maker did not miss a beat when it came to spare parts and engine availability. The OEM did so by reducing its cost base, “protecting” its capacity to invest, and adapting to changing business conditions “at the speed of light,” he explained.

Now, activity is looking up following deliveries of 674 new helicopter engines in 2020 followed by a 10.5 percent drop in 2021. This year, the company expects a 15 percent increase in new engine production, a “significant ramp up” from 2021, Saudo said, adding, “we’ll keep growth coming from the installed base.”

The company also plans to increase hiring across its footprint, adding 250 workers in 2021, Saudo said.