French aircraft engine manufacturer Safran sees a clear appetite from Britain's Labour government to work more closely with the European Union on industrial policy, following years of post-Brexit tensions, according to comments made by CEO Olivier Andries and reported by Reuters.
Industrial Policy Shifts Under Labour
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has repeatedly stated that Britain needs a closer relationship with the European Union, which the country officially left in 2020 following the 2016 referendum.
“With this new government, there is a willingness to get back closer to Europe, and this has been a conscious decision in terms of developing partnerships,” Andries told journalists in Paris, referring to Burnham’s administration. He added that the aerospace industries of Britain and France share longstanding ties and remain natural partners.
Did you know? Safran maintains a substantial operational footprint in the United Kingdom, operating a total of 14 facilities across England and Wales, according to the company’s official corporate website.
Company reaffirms financial outlook despite share price drop
To address rising sector demands, Andries emphasized that the company remains committed to expanding its maintenance, repair, and overhaul capacity. These operational adjustments aim to counter maintenance bottlenecks that originally emerged in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“There is already very strong need for engine maintenance. And now we’re seeing an increase in the delivery of aircraft which means that eventually there will be a greater need for engine maintenance,” Andries said, noting that Safran expects to meet all of its delivery commitments to Airbus throughout 2026.
M15 Collaborative Combat Aircraft Engine Studies
Beyond commercial aviation, Safran is evaluating future defense technologies as the French government seeks deeper industry participation in military programmes. France’s defence procurement agency formally asked companies in June to outline their technical capabilities in collaborative combat drone systems, with responses due by the end of August.
While declining to confirm whether Safran formally submitted a response to that specific request, Andries reaffirmed the company’s commitment to developing advanced engines for emerging technologies. This includes studying whether to design an engine for the M15 collaborative combat aircraft concept.
“We are currently looking into whether or not to launch a design for an M15 engine, but at the moment we haven’t done so yet,” Andries stated.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many facilities does Safran operate in the United Kingdom?
Safran maintains 14 facilities distributed across England and Wales, according to corporate data cited by Reuters.
What specific defence procurement request did France issue regarding drones?
France’s defence procurement agency asked aerospace companies in June to outline their capabilities in collaborative combat drone systems, with responses due by the end of August.
When did the United Kingdom officially leave the European Union?
The United Kingdom officially left the European Union in 2020, following the nationwide referendum held in 2016.
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