2010

From a strategic perspective, Safran reached a key milestone with the selection of CFM’s next generation LEAP-X engine to power the Chinese C919 aircraft, together with the integrated nacelle system. This program places the Group favourably for the future development of the worldwide single aisle fleets. Furthermore, our growing and improved high tech Security portfolio positions Safran to capture growth from increased public investments in secured identification of people access control and in luggage checking reinforcements. In addition, significant new orders in optronics boosted the backlog in Defence.

Looking forward, we are confident that our recurring operating income should increase moderately in 2010, thanks to on-going cost improvements and despite a mild currency headwind. We expect that the latter part of the year will see airlines resume spending on services, even though the first half of 2010 is likely to harbour some of the uncertainties of 2009.

PRESS RELEASE

10.05.2010
Pierre Gérard named SLCA President

Le Havre, May 7, 2010

With effect on May 1, 2010, Pierre Gérard has been named President of SLCA*, a subsidiary of Aircelle, Safran group, replacing Laurent Schneider-Maunoury, who is leaving the group.

Pierre Gérard joined the Snecma Group in 1983 and held a number of jobs in the Snecma Engineering department.

Starting in 1990, he coordinated integration activities for the M88 engine as Deputy Project Manager.

In 1999, he joined the Program department of Snecma Control System, and then in 2002 he was named Snecma & GE Programs Director for Hispano-Suiza.

In early 2006, Pierre Gérard was appointed President of Hispano-Suiza Canada Inc, a position he held for three years. Since his return to France in mid-2009, he has headed the Customer Support department in the Avionics division of Sagem Defense & Security.

PRESS RELEASE

25.05.2010
U.S. National Institute of Standards & Technology ranks Sagem Sécurité No. 1 in fingerprint-based authentification

Sagem Sécurité (Safran group), announced today that its fingerprint-based personal authentification technology was ranked No. 1 in the Proprietary Fingerprint Testing (PFT)* competition organized by the U.S. National Institute of Standards & Technology (NIST), the global benchmark for the measurement of biometric algorithms.

Paris, May 25, 2010

Sagem Sécurité (Safran group), announced today that its fingerprint-based personal authentification technology was ranked No. 1 in the Proprietary Fingerprint Testing (PFT)* competition organized by the U.S. National Institute of Standards & Technology (NIST), the global benchmark for the measurement of biometric algorithms.

Sagem Sécurité’s powerful algorithms have once again earned recognition for their accuracy, following the FBI’s selection of the company’s fingerprint identification technology for their Next Generation Identification (NGI)** system, and the demonstration of Sagem Sécurité’s technological leadership in the NIST’s Evaluation of Latent Fingerprint Technologies: Extended Feature Sets (ELFT-EFS) test***.

“Our success in this ranking clearly reflects our constant focus on innovation,” said Jean-Paul Jainsky, Chairman and CEO of Sagem Sécurité. “In particular, this result is the fruit of combining the core technologies offered by Sagem Sécurité and Printrak, enabling us to confirm our technological leadership in all advanced fingerprint recognition applications. Through our broad product range, all customers benefit from the technological edge provided by Sagem Sécurité.”

Sagem Sécurité has more than 35 years of experience in automated fingerprint recognition technologies, and continues to confirm its world leadership in this competitive market. Through its participation in NIST tests, Sagem Sécurité plays a major role in the development of biometric technologies, with a firm commitment to continued investment in R&D that generates benefits for all customers.

* http://www.nist.gov/itl/iad/ig/pft_... http://biometrics.nist.gov/cs_links...

**http://www.sagem-securite.com/press...

***http://www.sagem-securite.com/press...

About Sagem Sécurité
Sagem Sécurité is a high-technology company in the Safran group. One of the world’s leading suppliers of identity solutions, Sagem Sécurité focuses on applications including personal rights and flow management, in particular based on biometrics, a sector in which it is the world leader, secure terminals and smart cards. Its integrated systems and equipment are deployed worldwide and contribute to the safety and security of transportation, data, people and states.

PRESS RELEASE

25.05.2010
TSA Again Selects Morpho Detection’s Next-Generation Itemiser® DX Desktop Explosives Trace Detection System for U.S. Airports

Second order in past year to bring more than 1,200 additional trace detection systems to U.S. airports for checkpoint, random, checked bag and cargo screening

Newark, Calif. – May 25, 2010

Morpho Detection, Inc., part of the Safran group’s security business, today announced an order with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the second in the past year, for more than 1,200 additional Itemiser® DX explosives trace detection (ETD) systems. This order from TSA, which represents the largest single unit order in company history, is valued at more than $35 million and was awarded after a competitive contracting process.

First placed on TSA’s Qualified Products List for checkpoint and cargo screening in March 2009, the Itemiser DX delivers qualified explosives detection in a desktop package that is portable, reliable, cost effective and easy to use. Utilizing Ion Trap Mobility Spectroscopy (ITMS™) technology to provide unparalleled threat and contraband detection, the Itemiser DX is optimal for checkpoint, cargo, and checked baggage screening.

This follow-up order brings the total number of Itemiser DX units purchased by the TSA in the past year to more than 1,600 as part of contracts valued in excess of $50 million.

“We take great pride in the confidence TSA has demonstrated in Itemiser DX’s ability to help protect air travelers by placing this second major order in one year’s time,” said Dennis Cooke, president and CEO, Morpho Detection, Inc. “We laud TSA’s efforts to bring more and better advanced explosives detection to the frontlines of the nation’s airports.”

A lightweight, effective, and user-friendly detection unit, the Itemiser DX meets TSA’s strict detection standards.

In addition to use by TSA at U.S. airports, the Itemiser DX is available in a commercial version to protect transportation, industrial and high-risk facilities and locations around the world.

Morpho Detection’s order with TSA was funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). In addition to providing enhanced detection capabilities to protect travelers and cargo, consistent with the ARRA program, this order will directly help create or maintain U.S. jobs.

For more information on the Itemiser DX and other Morpho Detection products, please visit www.morphodetection.com.
***

About Morpho Detection, Inc.
Sagem Sécurité’s Morpho Detection, a business of the Safran group (PAR: SAF), is a leading supplier of explosives and narcotics and chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) detection systems for government, military, air and ground transportation, first responder, critical infrastructure and other high-risk organizations. Formed in 2009 following Safran group’s acquisition of GE Security’s Homeland Protection business, Morpho Detection integrates computed tomography (CT), Raman Spectroscopy, trace (ITMS™ technology), X-ray and X-ray Diffraction technologies into solutions that can make security activities more accurate, productive and efficient. With industry-leading products such as the Itemiser® DX trace detection system, the CTX line of explosive detection systems (EDS), and the StreetLab® Mobile hand-held chemical and biological substance identification unit, Morpho Detection’s solutions are deployed to help protect people and property in some of the most important and sensitive world locations.

PRESS RELEASE

26.05.2010
Jean-Luc Bérard named Vice President for Human Resources at Safran

Jean-Luc Bérard was named Vice President for Human Resources by the Safran group today.

Paris, May 26, 2010

Along with this appointment, Safran is also revamping its Corporate Human Resources, now organized in three major departments:

-* Training and Managerial Development Headed by Gilbert Font, this department oversees all training and skills planning actions undertaken within the Group. It is also tasked with creating and organizing the new Safran University.

-* Engineers and Managers This department, which also includes the management of senior executives, defines and applies recruitment, mobility and career management policies for the Group’s engineers and management staff, as well as overseeing relations and partnerships with schools.

-* Labor Relations Headed by Francis Baeny, this department coordinates Safran’s social policies, oversees relations with unions at Group level, and negotiates all agreements involving the companies in the Safran group.

Jean-Luc Bérard, 51, holds master’s degrees in business and labor law. He started his law career in 1983 with the metallurgical industries group. In 1986 he joined the Esys-Montenay group as labor relations manager. Jean-Luc Bérard then moved to UNEDIC in 1992 as Vice President for Human Resources, a position he held until 1999. He then took charge of human resources at Air-Liberté (British Airways group) until 2000, subsequently holding the same position at AOM Air Liberté, then Cégétel. Jean-Luc Bérard moved to Snecma (Safran group) from 2002 to 2007, first as deputy director of labor relations, then Vice President for Human Resources. He returned to UNEDIC in 2007 as Chief Executive, and remained in this position until his recent appointment by Safran.

* * * * *

Safran is a leading international high-technology group with three core businesses: Aerospace (propulsion and equipment), Defense and Security. Operating worldwide, the Safran group has 55,000 employees and generated sales exceeding 10.4 billion euros in 2009. Working alone or in partnership, Safran holds world or European leadership positions in its core markets. The Group invests heavily in Research & Development to meet the requirements of changing markets, including expenditures of 1.1 billion euros in 2009. Safran is listed on NYSE Euronext Paris and its share is part of the SBF 120 and Euronext 100 indexes.

PRESS RELEASE

27.05.2010
Safran group revamps visual identity to better reflect its position

Safran unveiled its new visual identity today during the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders. The Group’s visual identity is now based on a modernized logo and a “descriptor” specifying Safran’s three core businesses: Aerospace, Defence, Security.

Paris, May 27, 2010

The Group’s new visual identity is accompanied by a new baseline that will be deployed on all communications media: KEY MISSIONS, KEY TECHNOLOGIES. This baseline spotlights the foundation shared by all Group companies, namely their expertise in cutting-edge technologies intended for highly critical applications.

The visual identity of Group companies is also changing to emphasize the scope of the Group. Safran thus affirms its identity as a unified group drawing on each of its constituent companies, strong brands that embody its rich legacy.

“The aim of this new visual identity is to bolster the global recognition and image of Safran as a powerful, international high-tech group. It reflects the sound foundations and potential of a global group that harbors exceptional commercial and technological synergies,” said Jean-Paul Herteman, Chief Executive Officer of Safran.

Safran’s new visual identity builds on the Group’s recent successes and long-term strategy. It clearly expresses Safran’s identity as a global, Tier-1 supplier of systems and equipment for the Aerospace, Defence and Security markets.

Through its new visual identity, Safran underscores several key assets:

Complementary businesses

Centered around its three core businesses, Aerospace, Defense and Security, Safran is a high-tech group with a constant focus on maximizing the reliability of its products and service for highly critical applications.

Solid foundations

Safran has clearly established its position as a reliable and pivotal player in its core businesses, based on annual revenues exceeding 10 billion euros, a powerful business model (ongoing growth, 6.7% operating margin in 2009), strategic acquisitions in security growth markets (Printrak, GE Homeland Protection), and success in the commercial marketplace (delivery of the 20,000th CFM56 engine in 2009, selection to provide the integrated propulsion system for China’s new C919 jetliner).

A culture of innovation

Research & Development accounts for 20% of the Group’s workforce and nearly 11% of its consolidated revenues. Safran was ranked No. 4 in patents filed in France last year. The Group designs and manufactures products embodying major innovations across all of its businesses, as shown by the new-generation LEAP-X engine for tomorrow’s single-aisle jets, or the “Finger on the Fly” biometric system that uses contactless technology to identify fingerprints on a moving hand.

International presence

The Safran group has nearly 55,000 employees in more than 30 countries on five continents, a resolutely international dimension that is illustrated by the round form of the emblem in the logo.

Safran hired 1,000 new employees in 2009, including 74% engineers and management staff, and welcomed 40 doctoral students. Four percent of Safran’s payroll is invested in training.

Safran is a leading international high-technology group with three core businesses: Aerospace (propulsion and equipment), Defence and Security. Operating worldwide, the Safran group has 55,000 employees and generated sales exceeding 10.4 billion euros in 2009. Working alone or in partnership, Safran holds world or European leadership positions in its core markets.
The Group invests heavily in Research & Development to meet the requirements of changing markets, including expenditures of 1.1 billion euros in 2009.
Safran is listed on NYSE Euronext Paris and its share is part of the SBF 120 and Euronext 100 indexes.

PRESS RELEASE

27.05.2010
Sagem Sécurité renamed Morpho

Paris, May 27, 2010

Sagem Sécurité (Safran group) is changing its name today to “Morpho”. This new name reflects the company’s dynamic performance and objective of consolidating all security businesses within the Safran group under a single name.

As Morpho, the company affirms its continuity with its historic predecessors and takes another step along the growth path that started three years ago. The new name, symbol of a shared strategic vision, embodies the company’s core values, namely innovation as the basis of trust and technological excellence dedicated to our customers.

"The name ’Morpho’ is anchored in our culture and embodies our corporate values and successful track record," said Jean-Paul Jainsky, Chairman and CEO of Morpho. "At the same time, it marks a major new stage in our history, fully in line with the recent creation of our subsidiaries MorphoTrak and Morpho Detection. Above all, it represents both the continuity of this human endeavor and the consolidation of all the skills, cultures and people that make Morpho what it is today."

The new identity will be gradually deployed across the company’s many subsidiaries operating worldwide.

PRESS RELEASE

27.05.2010
Ordinary and extraordinary shareholders’ meeting - All of the resolutions were adopted Dividend payment of €0.38 per share

Paris, May 27, 2010

Safran’s Ordinary and Extraordinary Shareholders’ Meeting, chaired by Mr Francis Mer, took place today at the CNIT conference center in Paris La Défense on May 27, 2010.

All of the resolutions submitted to shareholders for approval at the meeting were adopted by a large majority.

Safran shareholders approved the 2009 consolidated financial statements and decided on the payment of a dividend of €0.38 per share.

Financial agenda

• Ex-dividend : June 1st, 2010
• Payment of the dividend : June 4, 2010
• 2010 interim results : July 28, 2010

Safran is a leading international high-technology group with three core businesses: Aerospace (propulsion and equipment), Defence and Security. Operating worldwide, the Safran group has 55,000 employees and generated sales exceeding 10.4 billion euros in 2009. Working alone or in partnership, Safran holds world or European leadership positions in its core markets. The Group invests heavily in Research & Development to meet the requirements of changing markets, including expenditures of 1.1 billion euros in 2009. Safran is listed on NYSE Euronext Paris and its share is part of the SBF 120 and Euronext 100 indexes.

PRESS RELEASE

01.06.2010
Francis Baeny named head of Safran’s Labor Relations department

Paris, June 1st , 2010

Francis Baeny was named Vice President for Labor Relations by the Safran group today.

His appointment follows Safran’s reorganization of its Corporate Human Resources into three major departments, including Labor Relations.

As the head of this department, Francis Baeny will coordinate Safran’s social policies, oversee negotiations for all agreements involving Safran group companies, and be the primary Group-level contact for union organizations.


Francis Baeny, 56, graduated from the IEP (institute of political sciences) in Paris (1976), and holds a master of laws degree. From 1977 to 1989, he held various human resources management positions at Messier-Hispano-Bugatti facilities. In 1990 he was named head of human resources at Sochata, before taking over as head of the Snecma Corbeil plant from 1997 to 2000. He was then named Vice President for Human Resources at Hispano-Suiza, moving to the same position at Sagem Défense Sécurité in January 2007. From August 2007 until this latest appointment, Francis Baeny was head of executives management for the Safran group..

PRESS RELEASE

08.06.2010
Safran signs agreement with Agefiph to support employment of disabled persons

Safran signed a group-wide agreement on May 21, 2010 with Agefiph, the French fund management association for the professional integration of disabled persons. The two-year agreement defines Safran’s objectives to support the employment of disabled persons. Safran aims to recruit 146 disabled persons by March 2012.

Paris, June 8, 2010

Safran signed a group-wide agreement on May 21, 2010 with Agefiph, the French fund management association for the professional integration of disabled persons. The two-year agreement defines Safran’s objectives to support the employment of disabled persons. Safran aims to recruit 146 disabled persons by March 2012.

Over the last few years, the Safran group has actively supported diversity, considered a key performance factor for the Group. Safran has also confirmed its commitment to supporting equal opportunity and fighting against all forms of discrimination. For example, Safran has taken a proactive stance to promote the employment of disabled employees.

The agreement signed by all Safran group companies with Agefiph breaks new ground at several levels: it concerns all Group sites in France, spanning 66 facilities and 22 companies; and it is based on an innovative configuration, with the deployment of a Group-wide action plan alongside specific plans implemented by each company.

By drawing up their own action plans, each Group company was able to define its own objectives for the next two years, in line with Safran’s corporate approach, ensuring the involvement of all stakeholders.

The agreement between Safran and Agefiph also reflects a joint commitment by all Safran companies, plus the sharing of best practices across the Group.

Actions to be implemented in the coming two years focus on five priority objectives:

• Hiring disabled persons (with the aim of adding 146 by March 2012).
• Retaining disabled persons in their jobs.
• Supporting disabled persons in the work environment.
• Collaborating with sheltered workshops and similar facilities.
• Raising awareness of these issues through both inhouse and external communications.

The agreement clearly reflects the proactive policy applied by Safran and its companies in terms of hiring and retaining disabled persons, and in more general terms supporting diversity in the workplace.

Safran will also call on various organizations that provide support for its policy, including specialized networks that are partially financed by Agefiph, such as Cap Emploi, Sameth and VAT.

* * * * *

Safran is a leading international high-technology group with three core businesses: Aerospace (propulsion and equipment), Defence and Security. Operating worldwide, the Safran group has 55,000 employees and generated sales exceeding 10.4 billion euros in 2009.
Working alone or in partnership, Safran holds world or European leadership positions in its core markets. The Group invests heavily in Research & Development to meet the requirements of changing markets, including expenditures of 1.1 billion euros in 2009.
Safran is listed on NYSE Euronext Paris and its share is part of the SBF 120 and Euronext 100 indexes.

PRESS RELEASE

10.06.2010
Celeste Thomasson named Safran Vice President, Legal Affairs

Paris, June 10, 2010 – Safran today named Celeste Thomasson as Vice President for Legal Affairs, an appointment that takes effect on July 1, 2010. She replaces Francis de Raimond, who is retiring.

A citizen of the United States, Celeste Thomasson has built up solid experience in both French and U.S. law. As Senior Vice President and General Counsel for Safran USA, she worked on the legal and fiscal aspects of Safran’s two recent acquisitions of security businesses in the United States. Celeste Thomasson will bolster the international legal expertise of the Safran group, which operates in three global markets, Aerospace, Defence and Security.

She will report to Dominique-Jean Chertier, member of the Executive Board and Executive Vice President, Social, Legal and Institutional Affairs.

Celeste Thomasson, 43, a U.S. citizen, holds a Juris Doctorate Degree from Southwestern University School of Law of Los Angeles. She started her law career in California, holding several positions from 1992 to 1998, in particular as an attorney with the Los Angeles office of Baker & McKenzie. She moved to France in 1999 to take the position of Senior Councel in charge of License Acquisitions at Laboratoires Fournier. In 2002 Celeste Thomasson joined Safran group company Messier Services as head of the Legal Department, moving to Messier-Dowty in 2003 as Vice President, Legal Affairs. She returned to the United States in July 2008 as Senior Vice President and General Counsel for Safran USA. Celeste Thomasson has been a member of the State Bar of California since 1993.

*****

Safran is a leading international high-technology group with three core businesses: Aerospace (propulsion and equipment), Defence and Security. Operating worldwide, the Safran group has 55,000 employees and generated sales exceeding 10.4 billion euros in 2009. Working alone or in partnership, Safran holds world or European leadership positions in its core markets. The Group invests heavily in Research & Development to meet the requirements of changing markets, including expenditures of 1.1 billion euros in 2009. Safran is listed on NYSE Euronext Paris and its share is part of the SBF 120 and Euronext 100 indexes.

PRESS RELEASE

14.06.2010
Morpho supplies the first NFC SIM cards for Europe’s first commercial launch in Nice

Paderborn / Nice, June 14, 2010

SIMply cONtactless cards from the Morpho e-Documents Division* (Safran group), formally Sagem Orga, were the first to be approved for deployment by FT Orange, and the first to be used by customers in one of the most significant Near Field Communication (NFC) projects currently underway. Since May 21st, in Nice, France, people can now experience the advantages of contactless technology.

The “Nice, NFC City” project invites people to use an NFC-enabled mobile phone in and around Nice to test a range of services. These services will ease their daily life, for example, payment in supermarkets, restaurants and shops, buying tickets for the public transportation system or using information services at the museums.

For this extensive NFC launch, Orange is offering phones for sale that support all applications needed to use contactless technology in the public transportation system in Nice. Passengers can ride buses and trains in and around the city by tapping their phones. The project is unique in Europe today, since it is the only one implemented for real commercial use.

The most beneficial feature of the SIMply cONtactless card by Morpho is its interoperability, as well as its compatibility with future evolutions and with any upcoming handset model.

Vincent Barnaud, Director Contactless Services at Orange stated: “The extensive development process stands out due to the strong partnership between us and Morpho. They have shown themselves to be a technology partner with strong expertise and future-orientation. Morpho was the first to deliver a product that we could approve.”

“Morpho is strongly committed to driving forward future technologies,” said Paul Naldrett, Senior Vice President of the e-Documents Division of Morpho. “The Nice NFC City project is an exciting and long awaited step forward in the commercial deployment of NFC technology. We are proud to be contributing to this groundbreaking project as a technology partner of FT Orange.”

* On May 27th 2010, Sagem Sécurité was renamed Morpho. Sagem Orga became part of Morpho e-Documents Division.

PRESS RELEASE

15.06.2010
Sagem chosen as MBDA partner on Medium-Range Missile

Through a partnership with missile manufacturer MBDA, Sagem (Safran group) will be in charge of the development and production of the firing post and infrared seeker on the Medium-Range Missile (MMP).

Eurosatory 2010, Villepinte, June 15, 2010

Through a partnership with missile manufacturer MBDA, Sagem (Safran group) will be in charge of the development and production of the firing post and infrared seeker on the Medium-Range Missile (MMP). This system is being offered within the scope of the planned replacement of France’s Milan antitank missiles towards 2015. The overall contract would cover 500 systems and 3,000 missiles, as well as significant potential for export contracts.

The MMP launch unit reflects Sagem’s combined expertise in cooled, long-range infrared imagers, laser rangefinding and image and signal processing. In particular, it will call on a third-generation Matis thermal imager integrating the latest IR detector technologies developed by Sofradir(1).

MBDA and Sagem have chosen bi-mode technology for the seeker, with a daytime video channel and a non-cooled infrared channel, including inertial guidance capability to support fire and forget mode, as well as beyond visual range firing capability. Featuring very high reliability and easy maintenance, this solution offers unrivaled capabilities for this type of application.

Used in conjunction with the FELIN soldier modernization system, the MMP is designed for easy integration in the digital battlespace and in future Scorpion network architectures. It can be vehicle-mounted or used in dismounted operations. Furthermore, the launch unit benefits from work on the FELIN system, taking advantage of certain components developed for this advanced infantry equipment suite, including batteries, man-machine interface, communications module, etc. This also means that the MMP will enjoy the same logistics support structure.

Sagem’s proven expertise, combined with its latest developments in thermal imagers, sights and seekers, will reduce technical risks and help meet all performance, delivery time and cost requirements. Sagem will develop the sight and seeker in its R&D center in Argenteuil, and produce them at its plant in Poitiers.

(1) Sofradir is a jointly owned company of Sagem (40%), Thales (40%) and Areva (20%), specialized in high-performance infrared detectors.

***

Sagem, a high-tech company in the Safran group, holds world or European leadership positions in optronics, avionics, electronics and safety-critical software for both civil and military markets. Sagem is the No. 1 company in Europe and No. 3 worldwide for inertial navigation systems (INS) used in air, land and naval applications. It is also the world leader in helicopter flight controls and the European leader in optronics and tactical UAV systems.
Operating across the globe through the Safran group, Sagem and its subsidiaries employ 6,700 people in Europe, Southeast Asia and North America.
Sagem is the commercial name of the company Sagem Défense Sécurité.

PRESS RELEASE

15.06.2010
Sagem’s Sigma 30 artillery navigation and pointing system deployed by first two Pinaka multiple launch rocket system regiments

Sagem (Safran group) has completed delivery of its Sigma 30 artillery navigation and pointing systems to the first two regiments in the Indian army deploying the Pinaka multiple launch rocket system (MLRS).

Eurosatory, Villepinte, June 15th 2010

Developed and produced by Sagem, the Sigma 30 is a laser gyro land navigation and pointing system for artillery pieces, enabling highly accurate firing on short notice.

Sagem has also set up a maintenance shop near New Delhi to help the Indian army keep its Sigma 30 systems in fighting trim. Indian mechanics received specialized training for this system in both France and India.

The Defense R&D Organisation, part of the Indian Ministry of Defence, originally chose the Sigma 30 system in 2008. They were installed by Larsen & Toubro Ltd. and Tata Power Company Ltd., the two Indian companies in charge of integrating the Pinaka MLRS.

The Sigma 30 pointing system has been proven in combat on a Caesar 155 mm gun. It is also used with NATO’s Mars MLRS and the 2R2M 120 mm mobile mortar, within the scope of a modernization program. In addition, the Sigma 30 has been qualified on the Archer, Donar, PZH 2000 and FH 77 B05 155 mm guns.

Artillery systems by Sagem, now deployed by 20 armed forces worldwide, cover a wide range of state-of-the-art applications, including advanced observation systems, optronic sensors, navigation and pointing systems, fire control, computers, digital mapping, systems integration.

***

Sagem, a high-tech company in the Safran group, holds world or European leadership positions in optronics, avionics, electronics and safety-critical software for both civil and military markets. Sagem is the No. 1 company in Europe and No. 3 worldwide for inertial navigation systems (INS) used in air, land and naval applications. It is also the world leader in helicopter flight controls and the European leader in optronics and tactical UAV systems.
Operating across the globe through the Safran group, Sagem and its subsidiaries employ 6,700 people in Europe, Southeast Asia and North America.
Sagem is the commercial name of the company Sagem Défense Sécurité.

PRESS RELEASE

14.06.2010
France orders Sagem RVT remote video terminals for direct reception of images from drones

Sagem (Safran group) has signed a contract with French defense procurement agency DGA to supply its new Remote Video Terminal (RVT) to units in the French army’s 61st Artillery Regiment deploying the SDTI Sperwer tactical drone(1).

Eurosatory 2010, Villepinte, June 14, 2010

Developed and produced by Sagem, the RVT recently completed a year of very successful field trials by the French army.

The RVT displays high-resolution images and geo-referenced video transmitted in real time by drones. It gives both forward observers and front-line forces the information needed to evaluate tactical situations and support “short-loop” decision making. By reducing the time needed to receive warnings on surrounding threats, the RVT enhances the protection of troops and convoys, and also confirms fire support orders.

Sagem’s tactical RVT comprises a display terminal with digital map, a man-pack carried portable receiver and a vehicle adaptation kit. It features open, scalable, modular architecture to handle different frequencies and waveforms – and is fully compatible with NATO’s Rover image distribution system.

Developed by Sagem as part of its upgraded Sperwer Mk II tactical drone system, the RVT can also be integrated in Sagem’s new Patroller™ medium-altitude, long-endurance (MALE) drone.

This initial official order by the French army clearly reflects its interest in the RVT, already combat tested in Afghanistan. The RVT is widely available in export markets.

(1) The 61st Artillery Regiment, part of the Intelligence brigade, has deployed the SDTI Sperwer tactical drone system, developed and produced by Sagem, since 2004. France has deployed the Sperwer in Afghanistan since October 2008.

***

Sagem is the commercial name of the company Sagem Défense Sécurité.

PRESS RELEASE

14.06.2010
Sagem wins major equipment order from Nexter Systems for 285 VBCI infantry combat vehicles

Sagem (Safran group) has won a new order from Nexter Systems for 285 MOP panoramic observation systems, and the same number of EPS-LT stabilized pointing systems. They will be used on the VBCI armored infantry fighting vehicle, developed and produced by Nexter for the French army.

Eurosatory 2010, Villepinte, June 14, 2010

The MOP is a panoramic observation system intended for the vehicle commander. It comprises a stabilized two-axis pointing platform with a non-cooled thermal imager. Operating day or night, stationary or on the move, the MOP provides panoramic observation capabilities around the vehicle, plus target designation via the gunner’s sight. With functions slaved to the episcope and the chassis centerline, the MOP also provides driving assistance.

This latest order for the MOP confirms its key role in the operation of infantry fighting vehicles, especially within the scope of asymmetrical combat, to protect both the vehicle and its combat section.

The EPS-LT (light turret), fitted with gyrometric sensors, provides directional control and stabilization for the VBCI’s weapons, for precise shooting on the move of its 25mm cannon and 7.62mm machine gun.

The MOP and EPS-LT are in volume production and have been deployed on the French army’s VBCIs since 2009. Including previous acquisitions, this latest contract brings the total number of VBCIs using Sagem’s MOP and EPS-LT to a total of 521.

* * *

Sagem is the commercial name of the company Sagem Défense Sécurité.

PRESS RELEASE

11.06.2010
Sagem showcases revamped offering of networked tactical combat solutions at Eurosatory 2010

Sagem, a Safran group company, is a major player in the market for digital battlefield solutions, and prime contractor on key systems chosen by the French army, including the FELIN soldier modernization system, Sitel tactical information system and Sperwer tactical drone system.

Paris, June 11, 2010

Drawing on feedback from international deployments in the field, plus a proven capability for innovation, Sagem is showcasing a revamped product offering at Eurosatory 2010. These solutions are designed to give air-land forces solutions that boost their observation, protection, command and robotic efficiency.

Highlights this year include:

Spider, a C3I (command, control, communications and intelligence) system for vehicles. With its touch screen incorporating a digital map, Spider can evaluate tactical situations, manage onboard or dismounted sensors, provide rangefinding or even control a Wasp type self-protection turret. It also manages the transmission of image-based intelligence over tactical radio networks.

Storm FCS (fire control system), a complete modernization solution designed for self-propelled or towed artillery. The Storm FCS supports quick battery setup and precise pointing, using its fire control computer coupled with a Sagem Sigma 30 inertial reference system. It can also be fitted with a Sagem CM3 day/night optronic sight for direct line-of-sight firing.

Sword Light, a lightweight (550 gram), compact, versatile weapon scope, with both an infrared channel and an optical sight. Featuring digital zoom in the IR channel, Sword Light delivers sharpshooter accuracy under all conditions.

Matis HH (handheld), a portable tactical infrared imager. Matis HH adds observation stabilization and image recording functions to infrared vision. Light and ergonomically designed, the Matis HH tactical imager offers nighttime detection capability of an armored vehicle at more than 8 kilometers, and a soldier at more than 5 kilometers. It was recently ordered by the Finnish army.

Matis XM (extended magnification), a cooled, long-range infrared imager, featuring a x18 continuous optical zoom. Offering outstanding long-range detection and identification capabilities, Matis XM is intended for zone surveillance networks and high-performance weapon systems.

ODIN, a modular, day/night, round-the-corner sighting system for 12.7 mm machine guns and 20 mm cannon. ODIN capitalizes on the advanced technologies in the FELIN soldier modernization system. It provides better protection for gunners operating crewed weapons from light vehicles or helicopters. It enhances firing accuracy, which makes ammunition management more efficient – and only weighs 1.3 kilograms!

OPSS (Observation Panoramic Stabilized Sight), a stabilized sight for armored vehicles, combining observation, warning and sighting functions for the tank commander. Allowing firing on the move, the OPSS meets the requirements for high-intensity combat by armored units operating in the most demanding environments, including symmetrical and asymmetrical threats, urban combat, etc. Capable of quickly engaging targets over 360 degrees, the OPSS can be integrated with Sagem’s own Savan 11 fire control system. It also features open architecture, for easy integration with the latest generation of vehicle electronics, making it an ideal solution for today’s digital battlespace.

WASP™ Observer, a day/night optronic surveillance system, designed to meet the observation and self-protection needs of light armored vehicles. Operated via a user-friendly terminal, WASP™ Observer detects hostile elements thanks to its integrated CM3 MR or LR imager, and also helps protect armored vehicle crews. It perfectly matches the needs of today’s digital battlespace.

Robotic solutions to improve operational capabilities. Sagem offers the first robotic observation and tactical situational awareness function that can be used by a FELIN-equipped combat section or platoon. Enhancing collective protection, this function calls on the Cobra mini-robot and Dragonfly mini-drone, developed by Sagem in conjunction with two French companies, ECA (Cobra) and Novadem (Dragonfly).

The revamped product line-up fully reflects Sagem’s expertise in tactical digital battlefield applications. It is displayed on Safran’s Eurosatory stand (E 81, Hall 6), in which Sagem’s offering is organized in eight sections: Infantry solutions (including the FELIN soldier modernization system), Portable optronics, Network enabled capability vehicles, Artillery solutions, armored vehicle solutions, Helicopter solutions, Drone systems and AASM guided weapons.

***

Sagem is the commercial name of the company Sagem Défense Sécurité.

PRESS RELEASE

22.06.2010
French President Nicolas Sarkozy inaugurates Turbomeca’s “Joseph Szydlowski” plant

French President Nicolas Sarkozy today inaugurated Turbomeca’s new “Joseph Szydlowski” plant in Bordes, near Pau in Southwest France, in a ceremony attended by Jean-Paul Herteman, CEO of Safran, and Pierre Fabre, Chairman and CEO of Turbomeca, a Safran group company. Safran invested 100 million euros in this new plant, ensuring the long-term viability of Turbomeca, the world’s leading maker of helicopter engines, in the Aquitaine region of France.

Bordes, June 22, 2010

The new plant is named after Joseph Szydlowski, who founded the company in 1938 and led it to a preeminent position in the international helicopter engine market. In 1942 Joseph Szydlowski moved the company’s facilities to Bordes. Over the next 70 years, the company continued to develop its business at this site, now revamped to provide a state-of-the-art production plant.

The new facilities inaugurated today are designed to meet three primary objectives:

• Deploy high-performance production capabilities, in particular enhancing flows and reducing production cycles.
• Foster greater synergies between design and production by physically integrating the different teams.
• Meet best-in-class Health-Safety-Environment standards, to ensure optimum working conditions and environmental protection.

A world-class, sustainable industrial and technological base in France

“The construction of Turbomeca’s new plant near the existing factory illustrates Safran’s industrial strategy of maintaining our world-class core production facilities in France near our decision-making and R&D centers,” said Jean-Paul Herteman, Chief Executive Officer of Safran. “The Joseph Szydlowski plant represents an investment equal to more than ten percent of Turbomeca’s sales, but it will generate savings in inventories and work-in-process of at least that much. Our international presence, which is indispensable for both our competitiveness and to deliver local support to all customers, both complements and extends the capabilities of our French plants.”

Spanning some 42,000 m2 (453,600 sq ft), the new Turbomeca building comprises offices and production units. It houses 1,300 employees, including 500 in workshops and 800 in offices, mainly in the design department. The building offers optimized working conditions and was designed to address a wide range of environmental concerns.

Optimizing production flows

Part of Turbomeca’s Bordes site, which has a total of 2,600 employees, the Joseph Szydlowski plant features a new industrial organization and simplified production flows. This will help cut production cycles by more than half over the next three years, to drastically reduce working capital requirements for a remarkable return on this significant capital investment.

An exemplary public-private partnership

The new Joseph Szydlowski plant is part of the Aeropolis hub, a center of aerospace excellence and a model for public-private partnerships. Turbomeca teamed up with the Aquitaine Regional Council, the Pyrénées-Atlantiques General Council, the Gave, Coteaux and Vath Vielha communities, the French government and the European Union to carry out this large-scale initiative, which is also part of the world-class competitive cluster, Aerospace Valley.
In addition to Turbomeca, Aeropolis includes office facilities occupied by subcontractors, a training and conference center, an energy and fluid power plant for the factory, a crèche and a shared company cafeteria.

* * * *

About Turbomeca
Turbomeca (Safran group) is the leading helicopter engine manufacturer, and has produced over 68 000 turbines based on its own designs since the company was founded. With 2,350 customers in over 155 countries, Turbomeca provides a proximity service thanks to its 16 sites, 26 Maintenance Centers, 24 Repair & Overhaul Centers and 90 Field representatives and Field technicians. Microturbo, the subsidiary of Turbomeca, is the European leader in turbojet engines for missiles, drones and auxiliary power units.

PRESS RELEASE

23.06.2010
Morpho chosen to modernize Malaysia’s ID document system

Morpho (Safran group) has signed a contract with the Malaysian National Registration Department to supply its brand-new Morpho Civis™ identity management system. Designed to ensure the secure issuance of multi-application ID cards, this latest-generation biometric system will replace the government’s current system, already supplied by the company in 1997.

Paris, June 21, 2010

Morpho Civis™ is a state-of-the-art software-based solution used to register citizens (fingerprints, photo and personal data), and reliably authenticate citizens’ identities when they access the various online services offered by the government (e-government). Incorporating the latest biometric algorithms developed by Morpho, this new Morpho Civis version will further improve the speed and accuracy of the current system, while also increasing the capacity of its database (up to 30 million records).

“The Malaysian government is a recognized pioneer in biometric and e-government solutions,” said Jean-Paul Jainsky, Chairman and CEO of Morpho. “After working with us for more than a dozen years, the government has once again placed their trust in Morpho. We are very honored by Malaysia’s selection of our Morpho Civis™ system, which will guarantee top-flight security for the issuance of Malaysian citizens’ ID documents.”

Morpho will deliver a turnkey solution for Malaysia, with a central facility in Putrajaya, and more than 200 fully equipped offices around the country. Through this latest contract, Morpho confirms its leadership position in Malaysia for identity management and e-government access solutions.

***

About Morpho
Morpho, a high-technology company in the Safran group, is one of the world’s leading suppliers of identification, detection and e-document solutions. Morpho is specialized in personal rights and flow management applications, in particular based on biometrics, a sector in which it is the world leader, as well as secure terminals and smart cards. Morpho’s integrated systems and equipment are deployed worldwide and contribute to the safety and security of transportation, data, people and countries.

On May 27th 2010, Sagem Sécurité was renamed Morpho.

PRESS RELEASE

25.06.2010
SaM 146 jet engine certified by EASA

Safran is delighted to announce that the European Aviation Safety Agency, EASA, has certified the SaM146 regional jet engine. Developed by the company PowerJet, an equally-owned joint venture of Snecma (Safran group) and NPO Saturn, the SaM146 will power Sukhoi’s Superjet 100 regional jet. Certification of the SaM146 by Avia Register of Russia is expected in the coming weeks.

Paris, June 25, 2010

Jointly developed and produced in France and Russia, the SaM146 is a successful bilateral program between these two countries in the prestigious civil aviation sector. It also confirms the ability of Safran to team up on the development of an innovative, highly effective aircraft engine, since the performance of the SaM146 has largely met and even exceeded the expectations of the aircraft manufacturer Sukhoi.

The SaM146 has finished its tests with a flourish, logging nearly 7,100 hours in all, including 3,500 hours in flight. PowerJet will now focus on the ramp-up in production and preparations for entry into revenue service.

“Certification of the SaM146 is a major milestone leading up to service entry of the Sukhoi Superjet 100,” said Marc Ventre, a member of the Safran Executive Board and Executive Vice President, Aerospace Propulsion branch. “This engine combines innovation and robustness, giving aircraft manufacturers a technically sophisticated product with low maintenance costs – a considerable advantage in the very competitive regional aviation market.”

The Safran group is a major partner on Sukhoi’s Superjet 100: in addition to the engine, it also supplies the nacelles, thrust reversers and landing gear.

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Safran is a leading international high-technology group with three core businesses: Aerospace (propulsion and equipment), Defence and Security. Operating worldwide, the Safran group has 55,000 employees and generated sales exceeding 10.4 billion euros in 2009. Working alone or in partnership, Safran holds world or European leadership positions in its core markets. The Group invests heavily in Research & Development to meet the requirements of changing markets, including expenditures of 1.1 billion euros in 2009. Safran is listed on NYSE Euronext Paris and its share is part of the SBF 120 and Euronext 100 indexes.

PRESS RELEASE

30.06.2010
Safran inaugurates new R&D center near Paris, Massy site offers world-class expertise in electronics and safety-critical software

Jean-Paul Herteman, Chief Executive Officer of Safran, today inaugurated Sagem’s new “François Hussenot” facility, the main Research & Development center for the Safran Electronics division, in Massy, near Paris. Also attending the ceremony was Vincent Delahaye, mayor of Massy.

Paris, June 30, 2010

Jean-Paul Herteman, Chief Executive Officer of Safran, today inaugurated Sagem’s new “François Hussenot” facility, the main Research & Development center for the Safran Electronics division, in Massy, near Paris. Also attending the ceremony was Vincent Delahaye, mayor of Massy.

Today’s inauguration was a major milestone in the extensive restructuring and development effort at the Massy plant, which started in 2008 and was supported by an investment of 60 million euros. It also marks a pivotal step in the development of Safran Electronics, by bringing together various teams within this division at a central site.

Created in early 2009, Safran Electronics, a division of Safran group company Sagem, consolidates Safran’s world-class expertise in electronics and safety-critical software. Specialists in the division come from Group companies Sagem, Hispano-Suiza and Messier-Bugatti, and contribute their skills and expertise to all Group companies involved in civil and military aircraft propulsion, aircraft equipment, avionics, inertial navigation and optronics.

Through this new organization, Safran is ideally positioned to bolster its expertise in electronics technologies for all of its businesses, and especially in the emerging market for airplanes that will be more electric, more digital and friendlier to the environment.

The new Massy site spans some 51,000 square meters (550,800 sq ft) and is designed for up to 2,300 employees. It consolidates personnel from eight different facilities, previously scattered in the greater Paris area.

The “François Hussenot” facility inaugurated today is the largest part of the site, with 1,000 employees, mainly involved in R&D, and floorspace of 20,000 square meters (216,000 sq ft). It houses 17 R&D spaces and three laboratories, featuring world-class installations. With ergonomic specialists contributing to the architectural design process, this facility offers an outstanding working environment, and the layout was designed to facilitate collaborative working between the different specialized trades and project teams. Through this rationalized organization, based on interdisciplinary collaboration, teams will be able to work more efficiently, as they share their different cultures and areas of expertise.

The people at the new “François Hussenot” facility are involved in some of today’s leading aerospace and defense programs, including the civil and military aircraft Airbus A380, A350 XWB and A400M, Boeing 787, Rafale, Superjet 100, NH90, Tiger, etc., as well as naval and land defense applications, such as FREMM frigates, Scorpène and Barracuda class submarines, the FELIN soldier modernization system, etc.

* * * *

Sagem, a high-tech company in the Safran group, holds world or European leadership positions in optronics, avionics, electronics and safety-critical software for both civil and military markets. Sagem is the No. 1 company in Europe and No. 3 worldwide for inertial navigation systems (INS) used in air, land and naval applications. It is also the world leader in helicopter flight controls and the European leader in optronics and tactical UAV systems. Operating across the globe through the Safran group, Sagem and its subsidiaries employ 6,700 people in Europe, Southeast Asia and North America. Sagem is the commercial name of the company Sagem Défense Sécurité.

PRESS RELEASE

30.06.2010
Dutch government selects Sagem Identification for secure travel documents

Sagem Identification (Morpho’s subsidiary, Safran group) announced today that it won an international call for tenders from the Dutch Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations. Starting October 1st, 2011, Sagem Identification will produce, personalize and distribute the new designed Dutch travel documents (electronic passports and national identity cards) for a period of 7 years with an extension possibility of 3 years. The yearly volume will be over 3 million documents.

Paris, June 30, 2010

Sagem Identification (Morpho’s subsidiary, Safran group) announced today that it won an international call for tenders from the Dutch Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations. Starting October 1st, 2011, Sagem Identification will produce, personalize and distribute the new designed Dutch travel documents (electronic passports and national identity cards) for a period of 7 years with an extension possibility of 3 years. The yearly volume will be over 3 million documents.

“This contract is again an example of the outstanding cooperation and the combination of the strength, knowledge and experience inside Morpho,” said Jean-Paul Jainsky, Chairman and CEO of Morpho.

“We are both proud and honored to earn the trust of the Dutch government,” said Anko Blokzijl, Chairman of the non-executive board of Sagem Identification. “This contract confirms our position as the market leader in high-end biometric passport solutions and our ability to meet the highest demands for secure solutions against competitive pricing.”

***

About Morpho
Morpho is a high-technology company in the Safran group. One of the world’s leading suppliers of identity solutions, Morpho focuses on applications including personal rights and flow management, in particular based on biometrics, a sector in which it is the world leader, secure terminals and smart cards. Its integrated systems and equipment are deployed worldwide and contribute to the safety and security of transportation, data, people and states.

On May 27th 2010, Sagem Sécurité was renamed Morpho.

PRESS RELEASE

01.07.2010
MorphoTrak Receives Secure Driver License Contract Award from North Carolina

System Includes MorphoTrak’s Secure Credentials Center for Greater Identity Assurance, Improved Customer Service, and Enhanced Security of 3D Photo IDTM

Alexandria, Va., July 1rst, 2010 – MorphoTrak (Safran group) received an award notification from the North Carolina Department of Transportation for an enhanced security driver license system in the amount of $47.5M. The system includes MorphoTrak’s Secure Credential Center (SCC) to increase security validations and privacy protections, while significantly increasing customer service and convenience. The SCC has been implemented worldwide wherever document security, identity assurance and personal privacy protection are critical.

“We are extremely pleased with the award intention announced by the state of North Carolina,” stated Daniel Vassy, President and CEO of MorphoTrak. “The efficiencies delivered through our Secure Credential Center and our innovative security technology such as 3D Photo IDTM on polycarbonate cards offers the best value and minimal risk for our customers."

MorphoTrak’s North Carolina solution includes new driver licenses incorporating unique security and anti-fraud features making it essentially impossible to reproduce for fraudulent purposes. The innovative 3D Photo IDTM technology, provided by sister company Sagem Identification, features laser engraved three dimensional photo-images which are one of the most secure first-line security features available today.

MorphoTrak is part of Morpho and has over 35 years of experience in secure identification technology. Morpho continues to innovate and excel, successfully deploying identification technology to well over 450 government agencies in over 100 countries.

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MorphoTrak
MorphoTrak, Inc., a subsidiary of Safran USA, provides biometric and identity management solutions to the U.S. and Canadian markets. Formed in April 2009 from the merger of Sagem Morpho Inc. and Motorola’s biometric division, Printrak, MorphoTrak’s markets include law enforcement, border control, civil identification, facility/IT security and access control. MorphoTrak and its global parent Morpho - part of the Safran group - are leading innovators in large fingerprint identification systems, facial and iris recognition, as well as identification licenses. MorphoTrak employs over 450 persons in the U.S., with headquarters near Washington D.C., major corporate facilities in Anaheim, CA and Tacoma, WA, and regional facilities throughout the U.S.

PRESS RELEASE

02.07.2010
Snecma and Royal Jet sign engine maintenance contract

Royal Jet, the VIP Charter Operator based in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, has awarded a new engine maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) contract to Snecma (Safran group) for its CFM56-7B engine fleet. Snecma, an OEM (original equipment manufacturer) shop, will provide MRO services for all CFM56-7B engines powering the operator’s Boeing Business Jets (BBJ). Snecma has worked with Royal Jet for eight years and this long-term contract clearly reflects Royal Jet’s confidence in Snecma and satisfaction with its services.

Abu Dhabi, July 1, 2010

According to Snecma Vice President Sales & Marketing Gaël Meheust: “Royal Jet is a growing VIP charter operator that flies to all international destinations. Snecma is fully committed to supporting VIP operators, and was especially honored to have been selected by one of the leading VIP carriers in the Middle East.”

The key factors in Royal Jet’s decision to extend this partnership were Snecma’s expertise, local presence and proven ability to ensure that their engines operate as efficiently as possible. This contract will allow Royal Jet to meet its objectives in terms of engine reliability and shop visit planning, while keeping costs under control.

Royal Jet’s Vice President Technical and Deputy CEO said, «Royal Jet currently operates the largest fleet of Boeing Business Jet’s in the world and we currently have six in our fleet. Maintenance of these aircraft is important to our business and ultimately our bottom line; this is why Snecma was chosen as a reliable partner capable of maintaining the highest operational standards, at the right price with minimum downtime.”

Snecma, the European leader in CFM56 MRO services, continues to expand its presence in the UAE. By drawing on its long experience in CFM engine maintenance, Snecma was able to offer Royal Jet a contract tailored to its specific requirements.

Note to editors

Snecma (Safran group) is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of aircraft and space engines, with a wide range of propulsion systems on offer. The company designs and builds commercial aircraft engines – including the CFM56* world’s leader - that are powerful, reliable, economical and environmentally friendly, along with military aircraft engines that have always delivered world-class performance. Snecma also develops and produces propulsion systems and equipment for launch vehicles and satellites. Snecma also offers a complete range of engine maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services to airlines, armed forces and operators.

*CFM56 engines are produced and marketed by CFM International, a 50/50 joint company between GE and Snecma.

Royal Jet, the international luxury flight services company, headquartered in Abu Dhabi, is jointly owned by Abu Dhabi Aviation and the “Presidential Flight Authority” the royal flight service, and is chaired by His Excellency Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, who serves as a Minister in the UAE Federal Cabinet.

PRESS RELEASE

06.07.2010
Sagem’s Patroller™ long-endurance surveillance drone completes fourth series of tests

Paris, July 6, 2010

The Patroller™ medium-altitude, long-endurance (MALE) drone built by Sagem (Safran group) has successfully completed its latest series of tests, validating overall system operation. Carried out at the Istres air base in southwest France from May 26 to July 2, 2010, these tests included ten qualification flights in manned operational mode, and five flights in drone mode, without a pilot (1).

For this latest series of tests, Sagem deployed a Patroller™ system comprising an aircraft and a ground control station. There were also two control rooms to monitor all flight and mission parameters in real time, one at Safran’s premises in Istres, and the other in Sagem’s R&D center in Eragny.

The latest drone flight tests were used to validate the performance of the aircraft’s triplex avionics equipment, which gives it outstanding reliability, and its imaging system, comprising a Euroflir gyrostabilized optronics pod from Sagem, and a Ku-bank link. Tests proved the drone’s expected endurance, exceeding 30 hours, flight parameters in line with expectations, excellent tolerance for crosswinds on the ground, and its ability to integrate air traffic around the base.

Not only do these results confirm Patroller™’s ability to carry out demonstration flights starting this summer, they also show Sagem’s ability to deliver a fully operational Patroller™ system to a launch customer within 12 to 18 months.

Patroller™ is a 1-ton class MALE drone system, based on an aircraft certified to EASA (European Aviation Safety Agency) standards, the S-15 built by German firm Stemme. It incorporates technologies developed by Sagem for its own Sperwer Mk.II tactical drones, as well as combat experience logged by Sperwer/SDTI drones in Afghanistan.

Patroller™ is designed to meet the long-endurance surveillance mission requirements of both armed forces and joint-ministerial programs, while keeping costs under control. Because of its modular design, it can be fitted with pod-mounted satellite links and payloads to carry out missions lasting 20 to 30 hours at a maximum altitude of 25,000 ft.

1 Patroller™’s first flight in drone mode took place on June 10, 2009 at the Kemijarvi test center in Finland.

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Sagem, a high-tech company in the Safran group, holds world or European leadership positions in optronics, avionics, electronics and safety-critical software for both civil and military markets. Sagem is the No. 1 company in Europe and No. 3 worldwide for inertial navigation systems (INS) used in air, land and naval applications. It is also the world leader in helicopter flight controls and the European leader in optronics and tactical UAV systems. Operating across the globe through the Safran group, Sagem and its subsidiaries employ 6,700 people in Europe, Southeast Asia and North America. Sagem is the commercial name of the company Sagem Défense Sécurité. For more information: www.sagem-ds.com

PRESS RELEASE

07.07.2010
Aircelle receives Gulfstream Aerospace’s “Supplier of the year” award for the fifth consecutive year

Le Havre, France, July -6, 2010

Aircelle’s supplier excellence has been recognized for the fifth consecutive year with a Gulfstream Aerospace “Supplier of the year” award for flight control spoilers that equip the Gulfstream G450 and G350 business jets.

The award was presented to Aircelle managers at Gulfstream’s international supplier conference, which was held on June 7 at the aircraft manufacturer’s home city of Savannah, Georgia, USA.

Aircelle’s spoilers were rated as excellent in all categories measured by the Gulfstream reporting system for suppliers: quality, reliability, delivery, total value chain cost and after-market support.

The flight control spoilers are installed on upper wing surfaces of the G450 and G350 business jets, and are deployed to reduce lift. A set of spoilers consists of six such devices per aircraft, with three incorporated on each wing. Aircelle has been supplying the flight control spoilers to Gulfstream since 2001.

Production of the spoilers is carried out at Aircelle’s Burnley facility in England, using a high-speed machining process. The spoiler is built with aluminium skins, which are bonded in place.

“We are pleased to have been selected for this recognition by Gulfstream Aerospace, which is known worldwide for the quality and performance of its business jets,” said Aircelle Chairman and CEO Vincent Mascré. “The award underscores Aircelle’s commitment to supplier excellence across its product line, and I congratulate everyone at our Burnley plant for their excellent team effort.”

Aircelle is a leading player in business aircraft equipment. In addition to spoilers, the company supplies thrust reversers for Gulfstream business jets. Its thrust reversers for the Rolls-Royce BR710 engines were introduced on Gulfstream’s GV, and they now equip the Gulfstream 500 and 550 aircraft.

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About Aircelle (www.aircelle.com) Aircelle is one of the leading players in the worldwide nacelle market for aircraft engines. A subsidiary of the Safran group, it employs nearly 3,000 people on seven sites in France, the United Kingdom, and Morocco. Aircelle is the only nacelle manufacturer in the world present on all the market segments, from regional and business aircraft to the largest airliners, including the Airbus A380. Aircelle also is developing the worldwide customer support and service activity for nacelles and their components.

PRESS RELEASE

11.07.2010
Statement from Safran

Paris, 11 July 2010

Safran confirms that a letter was addressed to the Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Zodiac proposing that the two groups examine the merits of bringing their activities together.

At this point, Safran acknowledges the reaction of Zodiac’s Board while remaining convinced of the obvious logic from an industrial and a strategic perspective, for all stakeholders involved, of bringing the businesses together in the context of the inevitable trend towards consolidation of first tier aerospace equipment firms.

* * * *

Working alone or in partnership, Safran holds world or European leadership positions in its core markets. The Group invests heavily in Research & Development to meet the requirements of changing markets, including expenditures of 1.1 billion euros in 2009. Safran is listed on NYSE Euronext Paris and its share is part of the SBF 120 and Euronext 100 indexes.

PRESS RELEASE

09.07.2010
First launch of Sagem AASM missile with terminal laser guidance a success

Paris, July 9 th, 2010

On June 17, 2010, Sagem (Safran group) and the French defense procurement agency DGA successfully carried out the first launch of a 250 kg AASM modular air-to-ground weapon with terminal laser guidance, in a demonstrator version

This new version combining GPS, inertial and laser guidance enables the AASM to engage agile land or sea targets with outstanding accuracy. It joins the current range of Sagem AASM weapons, comprising two versions already qualified on the Rafale fighter: GPS/inertial and GPS/inertial/infrared. The latest version features a laser seeker instead of the infrared imager, plus dedicated algorithms for the terminal phase.

The test launch was carried out at medium altitude by a Rafale multirole fighter. It aimed at a fixed target 25 km away, illuminated by a DHY-307 ground illuminator identical to those used by French army forward observers.

The weapon’s guidance was voluntarily initialized by shifting the target’s GPS coordinates by about 100 meters. But the weapon hit its target to within less than one meter, thanks to its laser spot detection algorithms and ability to slave its flight path to the laser spot.

This was the first firing test in the world using a laser-guided missile with a vertical terminal phase, enabling full control over impact parameters and minimizing the risks of collateral damage. Because of these characteristics, the laser-guided AASM is especially well suited to urban combat and asymmetrical situations where opportunity strikes are needed.

At the end of 2009, the DGA awarded Sagem a contract for 3,400 AASMs to be deployed by French armed forces, including a firm batch of 680 units. The contract also covers the qualification and production engineering for the INS/GPS/laser version, which will enter production starting in late 2012.

Developed and produced by Sagem, the AASM weapon comprises a guidance kit and range augmentation kit integrated on a standard 250 kg bomb. The AASM family will eventually include 125, 500 and 1,000 kg versions as well. Fired day or night and in all weather conditions, the AASM can be released at low altitude, and can also be fired off-axis, in relation to the aircraft’s flight path. The AASM offers very high precision and a terminal phase adapted to its missions, with a range exceeding 50 km.

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Sagem, a high-tech company in the Safran group, holds world or European leadership positions in optronics, avionics, electronics and safety-critical software for both civil and military markets. Sagem is the No. 1 company in Europe and No. 3 worldwide for inertial navigation systems (INS) used in air, land and naval applications. It is also the world leader in helicopter flight controls and the European leader in optronics and tactical UAV systems. Operating across the globe through the Safran group, Sagem and its subsidiaries employ 6,700 people in Europe, Southeast Asia and North America. Sagem is the commercial name of the company Sagem Défense Sécurité.

PRESS RELEASE

12.07.2010
Tiger Airways’ new Airbus A320s to be fitted with Sagem flight data recorders

Paris, July 12, 2010

Sagem (Safran group) has won an international call for tenders from Singapore-based Tiger Airways to supply a flight data interface & management unit (FDIMU) for 30 new Airbus A320 twinjets, plus 20 more on option.

Meeting all air transport regulations (FAR 121.344, JAR OPS1), the FDIMU provides data used in reports that track aircraft status (engines and landing gear). Airlines use this data to improve maintenance scheduling, and reduce their fleet’s fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

This latest contract clearly reflects the confidence placed in Sagem by a true low-cost carrier that scrutinizes every aspect of its business to remove non-essential costs without compromising safety, security and punctuality.

Founded in September 2004, Tiger Airways is the third leading low-cost carrier in the Asia-Pacific region. Largest air transporter of Singapore, Tiger Airways exploits a fleet of 19 Airbus A320-family aircraft, and is committed to increasing its fleet size to 68 by December 2015.

Sagem has been a supplier of flight data acquisition, processing and recording units for more than 20 years. The excellent performance of these units capitalizes on synergies with other companies in the Safran group, for instance in terms of the algorithms governing engine, landing gear and braking system operation. The FDIMU and other air data units are compatible with the Analysis Ground Stations (AGS) developed by Sagem.

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Sagem, a high-tech company in the Safran group, holds world or European leadership positions in optronics, avionics, electronics and safety-critical software for both civil and military markets. Sagem is the No. 1 company in Europe and No. 3 worldwide for inertial navigation systems (INS) used in air, land and naval applications. It is also the world leader in helicopter flight controls and the European leader in optronics and tactical UAV systems. Operating across the globe through the Safran group, Sagem and its subsidiaries employ 6,700 people in Europe, Southeast Asia and North America. Sagem is the commercial name of the company Sagem Défense Sécurité.

PRESS RELEASE

19.07.2010
Messier-Bugatti’s “Green Taxiing” solutions for Smarter Ground Operations

Farnborough, UK, 19 July, 2010

Messier-Bugatti (Safran group), world leader in carbon wheels and brakes and landing systems, announced today recent developments in its Green Taxiing initiative, which will enable aircraft to autonomously manoeuver on ground without relying on thrust from the main engines.

Messier-Bugatti launched Green Taxiing in 2008, in response to growing industry requirements to reduce fuel burn and reduce C02 emissions at every stage of aircraft utilization. To avoid using engine thrust, Messier-Bugatti is developing several solutions to power the main landing gear, as these gears support up to 90% of the aircraft weight. Messier-Bugatti is targeting 2016 for introduction on single aisle aircraft.

Today, two CFM-type engines burn 12kg per minute of fuel during taxiing phases. An average A320 or 737 aircraft operates up to 14 flight cycles per day, and travels several kilometers on the ground both before and after takeoff.

In addition to generating a 4-5% reduction in on-ground fuel burn and C02 emissions, the advantages of such a system are numerous:

• Complete autonomy in on-ground manoeuvres, replacing the use of a tractor to push back from the terminal.
• Less solicitation of the brakes during the taxiing phase, no longer needed to counter residual thrust from the main engines
• Noise reduction during on-ground taxiing
• Improved safety for on-ground personnel
• Optimized engine maintenance, avoiding injection of potentially damaging debris from the tarmac
• Facilitated manoeuvring of the aircraft during maintenance operations This technology will facilitate efforts for both airlines and airports to meet noise reduction and emissions regulations.

With Green Taxiing, Messier-Bugatti continues to develop innovative, environmentally- responsible technologies to improve landing system efficiency for the next generation of more electric aircraft.

*****

Messier-Bugatti, a Safran Group company, is a world leader in aircraft braking solutions. Wheels and carbon brakes by Messier-Bugatti are used on more than 4,000 commercial aircraft worldwide, and the company also provides innovative braking, steering, landing and monitoring systems and equipment for nearly 10,000 aircraft. Messier-Bugatti delivers products and support services to some 300 airlines and 20 air forces around the world. It has been a major supplier to Airbus for 30 years, and is also an OEM supplier for Boeing, Bombardier, ATR and Dassault. Messier-Bugatti has a global workforce of 1,400 employees, mainly in France and the United States and reinvests more than 15% of these revenues in Research & Development. Messier-Bugatti is certified to ISO 14001.

PRESS RELEASE

19.07.2010
CFM Completes eCore Demonstrator 1 testing

On schedule for eCore Demonstrator 2 run in mid-2011

FARNBOROUGH, England - 19 July 2010 - CFM International has completed 150 hours of testing on eCore Demonstrator 1 as development of the advanced LEAP-X engine continues.
Overall, CFM has completed approximately 4,500 hours of component, rig, and engine tests of LEAP-X core technology to date and the program is on schedule for engine certification in 2014.

"We are extremely pleased with the results from eCore Demonstrator 1 test program," said Ron Klapproth, LEAP-X program director for CFM International. "The hardware performed as good or better than we anticipated and we have validated that this technology will meet the commitments we have made for this program."

CFM is currently receiving hardware for the build-up of eCore Demonstrator 2, which will begin testing in mid-2011. eCore Demo 2 will feature a 10-stage high-pressure compressor and two-stage high-pressure turbine, along with the lean burn, low emissions TAPS combustor. CFM will run a third core configuration in 2012, just prior to the first full LEAP-X1C engine test in early 2013.

The company plans to complete approximately 150 – 200 test hours of testing on eCore Demonstrator 2 in GE’s special altitude test facility in Evendale Ohio. The heavily instrumented core tests approximately 2,000 different engine parameters. This unique test facility allows CFM to put the hardware through its paces by simulating both ground and altitude conditions over a much greater operating range than could be conducted with a full engine test. It allows engineers to see how the core behaves outside of standard operating conditions at extremes the hardware would never encounter in typical commercial airline service.

"The success of these tests validates CFM’s rigorous core development philosophy," said Klapproth. "We go through this process because our engines operate eight to 10 cycles per day and, in that environment, reliability simply cannot be compromised. We believe this is the only way to ensure our customers of absolutely the highest levels of reliability at entry into service."

Phase 1 testing began on schedule in June 2009 and the hardware accumulated approximately 35 hours. Phase 2 testing was completed in May of this year, and the test vehicle logged an additional 115 hours. Phase 2 focused on aerodynamic performance parameters; the aeromechanical properties of the blades and how they respond to vibration and natural frequencies; and operability to ensure the engine maintains the CFM reputation for stall-free operation. All of the data collected from these tests is feeding into eCore Demonstrator 2.

CFM International is a 50/50 joint company between Snecma (Safran group) and GE. It is the world’s leading producer of commercial aircraft engines, with more than 21,000 delivered since the company’s formation in 1974.

PRESS RELEASE

19.07.2010
Certification of CFM56-7BE Imminent

FARNBOROUGH, England - 19 July 2010 - After completing approximately 450 hours of ground and flight testing, the advanced CFM International’s CFM56-7BE is on track for joint U.S. Federal Aviation Administration and European Aviation Safety Agency certification by 31 July

Engine certification will pave the way for flight tests on the Boeing 737 in late 2010 and entry into service by mid-2011 to coincide with Boeing Next-Generation 737 airframe improvements.

In May of this year, the engine completed a 60-hour certification flight test program aboard GE’s modified 747 flying testbed in Victorville, California. In addition, the CFM56-7BE completed a grueling 150-hour block test at Snecma facilities in Villaroche, France, during which it operated at what is referred to as triple redline: maximum fan speed, maximum core speed, and maximum exhaust gas temperature. This test simulates conditions far more extreme than would ever be experienced in commercial service to validate the reliability and durability of the hardware.

The first full CFM56-7BE type design engine completed ground testing in January 2010, and engine operation and performance was as expected. Overall, the engine completed 390 hours of ground testing (including the block test) and achieved all the technical requirements and met the key objectives for performance improvement, acoustics, engine operation and durability.

The CFM56-7BE-powered Next-Generation 737 enhanced airplane/engine combination will provide a 2 percent improvement in fuel consumption, which, in turn, equates to a 2 percent reduction in carbon emissions. Additionally, the enhanced -7B will provide up to 4 percent lower maintenance costs, depending on the thrust rating.

CFM is using advanced computer codes and three-dimensional design techniques to improve airfoils in the high- and low-pressure turbines to improve engine performance. In addition, CFM is improving engine durability and reducing parts count to achieve lower maintenance costs.

CFM is a 50/50 joint company of Snecma (Safran group) and GE.

PRESS RELEASE

19.07.2010
CFM Delivers 21,000th CFM56 Engine While Retaining Solid Delivery Backlog

FARNBOROUGH, England - 19 July 2010 - Earlier this month CFM International delivered the 21,000th CFM56 engine as the company continues to maintain record production rates.

CFM has been producing more than 1,250 engines per year since 2007 and expects to maintain these rates at least through 2012. Through June 2010, the company had received firm orders for 495 commercial, military and spare engines and it maintains a backlog is for approximately 5,300 engines, which represents four years of production.

"The continued success of the CFM56 program is phenomenal. At our current production rate, there is a CFM56 engine coming off the production line every four hours*," said Eric Bachelet, president and CEO of CFM International. "We are honored by the continued confidence airlines around the globe have shown in our products, selecting CFM56 engines to power more Airbus and Boeing single-aisle aircraft than any other engine in history."

CFM56 engines power the Airbus A318/A319/A320/A321, the A318 Elite and A319CJ, A320CJ, and A321CJ corporate jets and A340-200/-300 models and the Boeing Next-Generation 737-600/-700/-800/-900/-900ER and BBJ airplanes.

CFM is the 50/50 joint company between Snecma (Safran group) and GE and one of the most successful aircraft engine suppliers in aviation history.

PRESS RELEASE

19.07.2010
Joint C919 Definition Phase Continues

FARNBOROUGH, England - 19 July 2010 - CFM International and the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) are continuing the joint definition phase for the advanced C919 single-aisle aircraft /engine combination in preparation for entry into revenue service in 2016. The joint definition phase will continue into early 2011.

In December 2009, COMAC selected CFM’s advanced new LEAP-X engine as the sole western powerplant for the C919. COMAC has forecasted global sales of more than 2,000 C919 aircraft over the 20 years following entry into service in 2016.

LEAP-X is a totally new centerline engine formally announced in mid-2008, and the development program has been progressing steadily ever since. CFM is on schedule with engine development work, will begin running a full-scale 5,000-cycle endurance test on the 3-D Woven Resin Transfer Molding (3-DW RTM) composite fan in the third quarter 2010, as well as initiating testing of eCore Demonstrator 2 in mid-2011. The company recently completed a two-phase, 150-hour test program of eCore Demonstrator 1. This development work will culminate in the first full engine, the LEAP-X1C, going to test in early 2013.

COMAC has opted for a complete Integrated Propulsion System (IPS) for the C919. CFM will provide the engine and, in partnership with Nexcelle*, the nacelle and thrust reverser to deliver a complete IPS solution to COMAC.

"The program is coming along very well," said Eric Bachelet, president and CEO of CFM International. "This agreement is the next logical step in what has been a tremendously successful collaboration between CFM, the Chinese aviation industry, and our Chinese airline customers. Today, we are embarking on an exciting new chapter with COMAC and we are honored to be a part of it."

CFM, a 50/50 joint company between Snecma (Safran group) and GE, is the world’s largest commercial aircraft engine manufacturer. In 2008, the two companies renewed the partnership to the year 2040.

***

*Nexcelle is a 50/50 joint venture between Aircelle (Safran group) and GE’s Middle River Aviation Systems

PRESS RELEASE

19.07.2010
GE / Snecma Launch CFM Materials as New JV

FARNBOROUGH, England - 19 July 2010 - CFM International parent companies, GE and Snecma (Safran group), have become partners in a 50/50 joint venture named CFM Materials. The company, which became operational May 31, 2010, supplies CFM56 used serviceable material to CFM’s aviation customers around the globe.

"GE and Snecma have extensive experience in the manufacturing, marketing, sales and support of materials solutions for aircraft engines," said Bill Correll, CEO of CFM Materials. "This experience will ensure CFM Materials customers have access to the same high-quality sales and support that they have come to expect."

Previously, Snecma was a partner in GE Aviation Materials LP (GEAM), which provided used material for both GE and CFM engine families. GEAM is now wholly owned by GE Aviation and focuses exclusively on GE-branded products.

CFM International, a 50/50 joint company between Snecma (Safran group) and GE, is the worlds largest producer of commercial aircraft engines and the company delivered its 21,000th CFM56 engine in July 2010.

PRESS RELEASE

19.07.2010
CFM On Schedule to Begin 5,000-Cycle Test of Composite Fan

FARNBOROUGH, England - 19 July 2010 - CFM International Is on schedule to begin a demanding 5,000-cycle endurance test program of the 3-D Woven Resin Transfer Molding (3-DW RTM) fan in the coming weeks as development of the advanced LEAP-X engine continues.

CFM initiated ground test of a full-scale 3-DW RTM fan installed on a CFM56-5C MASCOT (Moteur à Aubes de Soufflante en COmposite Taille) demonstrator engine in early 2009. At Snecma (Safran group) facilities in Villaroche, France, MASCOT completed aerodynamic and performance testing before going to GE facilities in Peebles, Ohio. It has successfully logged 165 hours of extensive crosswind and acoustics testing to measure noise levels under various operating conditions. MASCOT will accumulate approximately 400 additional hours full-scale in 2010 and 2011.

In addition, CFM has performed scores of component and rig tests, including bird ingestion and blade out tests that simulate certification requirements of the proprietary 3-DW RTM technology. The LEAP-X development program is on schedule for engine certification in 2014.

"We have achieved outstanding results, fully in line with our pre-test expectations," said Francois Bastin, LEAP-X program director for CFM International. "We have successfully simulated the complete range of engine certification tests and are confident the technology is ready for production. We will continue to refine and test various blade designs to optimize the final configuration for the first full LEAP-X1C engine test in early 2013."

The LEAP-X fan will feature 18 blades, a 50 percent reduction versus the CFM56-5C and 25 percent fewer blades than the CFM56-7B.

CFM International is a 50/50 joint company between Snecma (Safran group) and GE. It is the world’s leading producer of commercial aircraft engines, with more than 21,000 delivered since the company’s formation in 1974.

PRESS RELEASE

19.07.2010
Air China Expands CFM56-5B-powered A320 Fleet with New Order for 20 Airplanes

FARNBOROUGH, England - 19 July 2010 - Chinese flag carrier Air China today announced that it has selected the CFM56-5B engine to power 20 firm Airbus A320 aircraft. The agreement is valued at approximately $600 million U.S. at list price, including a long-term maintenance agreement.

In addition to the new engine order, Air China also signed a Rate Per Flight Hour (RPFH) agreement with CFM to provide comprehensive maintenance service for the CFM56 engines in the airline’s fleet under which CFM will guarantee maintenance costs on a dollar per engine flight hour basis.

Air China, which is scheduled to begin taking delivery of the new aircraft in 2011, is the largest commercial airline in China and has been a long-time CFM customer. In addition to the 20 A320s announced today, the airline’s current fleet includes 55 Airbus A320 and 118 Boeing 737 family aircraft powered by CFM56-5B and CFM56-3/7B engines, respectively, as well as six long-range, four-engine Airbus A340-300 aircraft powered by the CFM56-5C.

“We are very pleased to continue our long relationship with CFM," said He Li, Vice President of Air China. "We already have a big CFM56-powered fleet of Airbus and Boeing aircraft, and the operating economics and the outstanding reliability of this engine have been enabling us save our costs and assure our customers of the very highest level of service that we can provide." . The high reliability, long on-wing life, and low maintenance costs of the CFM56-5 make it extremely popular with major airlines, low-cost carriers, and leasing companies worldwide. All of Air China’s new CFM56-5B engines are of the Tech Insertion configuration. This configuration was introduced in September 2007 and, to date, the fleet of more than 2,350 in service worldwide has logged nearly 11 million flight hours and six million flight cycles without a single engine-related event.

CFM56 Tech Insertion provides operators with a 1 percent improvement in fuel consumption over the life of the product, compared to the base CFM56-5B engine. This lower fuel consumption also significantly lowers CO2 emissions. Improved analytic design tools have also enabled CFM to further improve the Tech Insertion combustor such that it emits 25 percent lower NOx emissions and the engine meets the current International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Committee of Aviation Environment Protection standards (CAEP /6) that took effect in early 2008. CFM56-5B engines are a product of CFM International, a 50/50 joint company between Snecma (Safran) and GE. CFM, the world’s leading supplier of commercial aircraft engines, has delivered 21,000 engines to date.

PRESS RELEASE

19.07.2010
China Eastern Orders CFM56-5B Engine to Power A320s; Signs Long-Term Maintenance Agreement

FARNBOROUGH, England - 19 July 2010 - China Eastern Airlines today announced that it has selected the CFM56-5B engine to power 30 new Airbus A320 family aircraft; the airline is scheduled to begin taking delivery in March 2011. The firm engine order is valued at approximately $600 million U.S at list price.

Together with the engine selection, China Eastern also signed a long-term RPFH (Rate per Flight Hour) agreement with CFM to provide comprehensive maintenance service for the CFM56 engines in the airline’s fleet under which CFM will guarantee maintenance costs on a dollar per engine flight hour basis.

China Eastern became a CFM customer in 1994 with an order for five CFM56-5C-powered long-range, four-engine Airbus A340 aircraft. Today, the airline is CFM’s largest customer in China, currently operating about 500 CFM56-3/-5B/-5C and -7B engines.

"We are honored by China Eastern’s selection of the CFM56-5B engine,” said Eric Bachelet, president and CEO of CFM. “China Eastern and CFM have a long-standing relationship, and this engine selection demonstrates the continued confidence the airline has in our products and services.”

The high reliability, long on-wing life, and low maintenance costs of the CFM56-5 make it extremely popular with major airlines, low-cost carriers, and leasing companies worldwide. All of China Eastern’s new CFM56-5B engines are of the Tech Insertion configuration. This configuration was introduced in September 2007 and, through June 2010, the fleet of more than nearly 3,900 in service worldwide had logged more than 17 million flight hours and 9.6 million flight cycles without a single engine-related event.

CFM56 Tech Insertion provides operators with a 1 percent improvement in fuel consumption over the life of the product, compared to the base CFM56-5B engine. This lower fuel consumption also significantly lowers CO2 emissions. Improved analytic design tools have also enabled CFM to further improve the Tech Insertion combustor such that it emits 25 percent lower NOx emissions and meets the current CAEP/6 industry requirements.

CFM56-5B engines are a product of CFM International, a 50/50 joint company between Snecma (Safran group) and GE. CFM, the world’s leading supplier of commercial aircraft engines, has delivered 21,000 engines to date.

PRESS RELEASE

19.07.2010
GECAS CFM56-7B Engine Order Valued at $560 Million

FARNBOROUGH, England - 19 July 2010 - GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS) today announced an order for CFM56-7B engines to power 40 new Boeing 737-700/-800/-900 aircraft. The engine order is valued at $560 million U.S. at list price and the leasing company is scheduled to begin taking delivery 2013.

All of GECAS’ new CFM56-7B engines will be the “E” configuration, on schedule for certification by 31 July of this year and entry into service in mid-2011. The CFM56-7BE-powered Next-Generation 737 enhanced airplane/engine combination will provide a 2 percent improvement in fuel consumption, which, in turn, equates to a 2 percent reduction in carbon emissions. Additionally, the enhanced -7B will provide up to 4 percent lower maintenance costs, depending on the thrust rating.

CFM is using advanced computer codes and three-dimensional design techniques to improve airfoils in the high- and low-pressure turbines to improve engine performance. In addition, the company is improving engine durability and reducing parts count to achieve lower maintenance costs. GECAS, the U.S. and Irish commercial aircraft financing and leasing business of GE, has a fleet of over 1,800 owned and managed aircraft with approximately 245 airlines in over 75 countries. GECAS offers a wide range of aircraft types and financing options, including operating leases and secured debt financing, and also provides productivity solutions including spare engine leasing, spare parts financing and management. GECAS, a unit of GE Capital, has offices in 23 cities around the world. GE is a diversified global infrastructure, finance and media company that is built to meet essential world needs. From energy, water, transportation and health to access to money and information, GE serves customers in more than 100 countries and employs more than 300,000 people worldwide. For more information, visit the company’s Web site at http://www.ge.com. GE is Imagination at Work .

CFM International is a 50/50 joint company between Snecma (Safran group) and GE.

PRESS RELEASE

19.07.2010
GECAS Chooses CFM56-5B to Power New A320 Fleet

FARNBOROUGH, England - 19 July 2010 - GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS) today select the CFM56-5B engine to power the 60 new Airbus A320 family aircraft announced earlier to day. The firm engine order is valued at $840 million U.S. at list price and the aircraft are scheduled to begin delivery in 2012.

The high reliability, long on-wing life, and low maintenance costs of the CFM56-5 make it extremely popular with major airlines, low-cost carriers, and leasing companies worldwide. All of the new GECAS CFM56-5B engines are of the Tech Insertion configuration. Through June 2010, nearly 3,900 CFM56 Tech Insertions engines had been delivered and the fleet has logged more than 17 million flight hours and 9.2 million flight cycles. CFM56 Tech Insertion became the production configuration for all CFM56-7B and CFM56-5B engines and entered service on the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 aircraft families in 2007.

Primary factors behind the engine’s broad-based market acceptance include this industry’s best reliability, durability, and low cost of ownership brought about by the engine’s simple, rugged architecture.

GECAS, the U.S. and Irish commercial aircraft financing and leasing business of GE, has a fleet of over 1,800 owned and managed aircraft with approximately 245 airlines in over 75 countries. GECAS offers a wide range of aircraft types and financing options, including operating leases and secured debt financing, and also provides productivity solutions including spare engine leasing, spare parts financing and management. GECAS, a unit of GE Capital, has offices in 23 cities around the world. GE is a diversified global infrastructure, finance and media company that is built to meet essential world needs. From energy, water, transportation and health to access to money and information, GE serves customers in more than 100 countries and employs more than 300,000 people worldwide. For more information, visit the company’s Web site at http://www.ge.com. GE is Imagination at Work .

CFM International is a 50/50 joint company between Snecma (Safran group) and GE.

PRESS RELEASE

20.07.2010
Hispano-Suiza delivers first Trent XWB power transmissions to Rolls-Royce

Farnborough, July 19, 2010 – Hispano-Suiza today announced the first deliveries of power transmissions for the Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engine. Selected by the global power systems company in July 2008, Hispano-Suiza delivered the first development shipset to Rolls-Royce in May 2010. This was, to be used for the successful first engine ground tests that took place in Derby on June 17, 2010.

“The delivery of the first development shipset was a major milestone and the culmination of remarkable work by our people ,” said Olivier Horaist, Chairman and CEO of Hispano-Suiza, “and also reflects the quality of our long-term strategic relationship with Rolls-Royce.”

Hispano-Suiza has teamed with Rolls-Royce for more than 20 years on the Trent family of large turbofan engines, including the Trent 500 for the A340-500/600, the Trent 700 for the A330 and the Trent 800 for the Boeing 777, as well as the BR700 series of engines for regional and business jets. Hispano-Suiza’s latest success in this market is its selection as supplier of the accessory gearbox for the BR725 engine on the Gulfstream G650.

The high-technology power transmission system for the Trent XWB engine is entirely designed, developed and produced by Hispano-Suiza. It comprises the main accessory gearbox and transfer gearbox, angle driveshaft, oil tank and the high-pressure and radial driveshaft bevel gears. Developing 800 kW of power and weighing just 100 kg (twice the power developed by the Trent 700 system at equivalent weight), this system is designed to maximize engine performance.

Hispano-Suiza is currently delivering the second power transmission system to Rolls-Royce, with 8 additional development shipsets to deliver before the end of year 2010.

***

Hispano-Suiza, a Safran group company, is a major player in the airborne applications of electrical power. It specializes in the transmission of power, and the management and conversion of electrical energy.
Hispano-Suiza is the world’s leading supplier of engine power transmissions, with a market share of nearly 60% of all mainline jets (over 100 seats). It supplies an installed base of more than 20,000 CFM56 engines, along with over 4,000 engines in the Rolls-Royce Trent and BR700 families. At the same time Hispano- Suiza is developing power transmissions for a number of new applications, including the Trent XWB, BR725 and TP400-D6 engines, and the EC175 helicopter.

A pioneer in the design, development and production of electronic power controllers for airborne applications, Hispano-Suiza contributes to today’s major aircraft programs in conjunction with fellow Safran companies (A380, Boeing 787, A400M), and leads Group developments for tomorrow’s “more electric” aircraft. Hispano-Suiza has two major facilities in the greater Paris area, in Colombes and Réau, and a subsidiary in Poland.

PRESS RELEASE

20.07.2010
Snecma and Royal Air Maroc sign maintenance contract for CFM56-7B engines

Farnborough, UK, July 20, 2010. Royal Air Maroc (RAM), the Moroccan national airline, today awarded Snecma (Safran group) a “by the hour” maintenance contract for its CFM56-7B engines, applicable until December 2018.

The contract will eventually cover 36 Boeing 737NG twinjets in the RAM fleet; the airline currently operates 26 of these aircraft. Maintenance services will be provided by the joint venture between Snecma and RAM, Snecma Morocco Engine Services (SMES), specialized in maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services for the CFM56-3, CFM56-7B and CFM56-5B engines. The SMES plant is located in Casablanca.

Royal Air Maroc flies to nearly 70 national and international destinations. The contract with Snecma covers complete engineering support for these engines, as well as additional support for spare engines.

This exclusive long-term contract confirms Royal Air Maroc’s confidence in Snecma and satisfaction with its services. “The decisive factors in our choice were Snecma’s expertise, its local presence and its proven ability to provide optimized operational support for our engines,” said Driss Benhima, Chairman and CEO of Royal Air Maroc. “For Royal Air Maroc, this competitively-priced ‘by the hour’ maintenance contract will enable us to meet our objectives for engine dispatch reliability, while keeping our costs under control.”

Snecma, already the European leader in CFM56 MRO services, further bolsters its presence in Morocco with this latest contract. Building on its experience in CFM56 engine maintenance, Snecma was able to offer RAM an optimized contract that would enhance its competitiveness.

“We are delighted to be able to strengthen our partnership with Royal Air Maroc,” said Yves Prete, head of Snecma’s MRO division. “This latest agreement once again shows our ability to adapt our offering to meet the specific requirements of each customer.”

Note to editors

• Snecma, a Safran group company, is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of aircraft and space engines, with a wide range of propulsion systems on offer. The company designs and builds commercial aircraft engines – including the market leading CFM56 – that are powerful, reliable, economical and environmentally-friendly, along with military aircraft engines that have always delivered world-class performance. Snecma also develops and produces propulsion systems and equipment for launch vehicles and satellites. Snecma offers a complete range of engine maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services to airlines, armed forces and operators.
• CFM56 engines are produced and marketed by CFM International, a 50/50 joint company of Snecma and GE.
• Snecma Morocco Engine Services (SMES) is a majority-owned subsidiary of Snecma (Safran group), created in partnership with Royal Air Maroc. Based in Casablanca, SMES is specialized in maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services for the CFM56-3, CFM56-5B and CFM56-7B engines, as well as auxiliary power units (APU) and other equipment.
• Founded in 1957, the Moroccan flag carrier Royal Air Maroc provides passenger and freight air transport under optimum conditions of quality, safety and comfort. With more than 50 years of experience in international air transport, Royal Air Maroc has established a solid reputation based on its expertise, professionalism, skilled staff and top-flight service. Royal Air Maroc operates a fleet of 54 aircraft, serving nearly 70 national and international destinations.

PRESS RELEASE

20.07.2010
LAN Signs $2 Billion CFM56-5B Engine Order / Maintenance Agreement for 70 New A320 Family Aircraft

FARNBOROUGH, England - 20 July 2010 - Chilean flag carrier LAN Airlines today placed the single largest engine order in the company’s 81-year history, choosing the CFM56-5B engine to power 70 new Airbus A319/A320/A321 aircraft for delivery beginning in 2011. This also represents the single largest engine order by a Latin American airline.

The order is valued at approximately $2 billion U.S. at list price, including installed and spare engines and an associated maintenance agreement.

To support its new fleet, LAN chose a 12-year Rate for Flight Hour (RPFH) agreement with CFM. The RPFH is a comprehensive maintenance program customized to LAN Airlines specific needs under which CFM guarantees the maintenance cost on a dollar per engine flight hour basis.

The engine order, which is part of the airline’s continued fleet renewal and expansion program, covers 30 A320 family aircraft announced in December 2009, in addition to 40 new A320s that are part of the Memorandum of Understanding announced earlier today by LAN and Airbus.

“We have built a good working relationship with CFM over the past decade and are confident it will continue to strengthen,” said Roberto Alvo, senior vice president of Strategic Planning for LAN. “This new order allows us to combine the proven reliability of the CFM56-5B with a long-term service and support package that will help us keep our costs predictable and allow us to focus on serving our customers.”

LAN became a CFM operator in 2000 with the delivery of its first CFM56-5C-powered Airbus A340-300 long-range four-engine airplane. The airline currently operates five A340s.

“This is the beginning of a great new era between LAN and CFM,” said Kevin McAllister, vice president of sales for CFM parent company GE Aviation. “LAN is consistently ranked as one of the top airlines in the world and we consider it an honor and a privilege to be a part of this world-class team.”

LAN Airlines was formed in October 1929 as a domestic Chilean carrier. Today, the airline is one of the leading passenger and cargo airlines in Latin America and serves 70 destinations throughout Latin America, the United States, the Caribbean, Europe, and the South Pacific.

CFM International is a 50/50 joint company between Snecma (Safran group) and GE.

PRESS RELEASE

19.07.2010
Kartika Airlines signs Customer Support Agreement with PowerJet

Farnborough, UK – July 19th, 2010 – Mr Kim Mulia, Chairman of Kartika Airlines and M. Jean-Paul Ebanga, Chairman and CEO of PowerJet - a joint-venture between Snecma (Safran group, France) and NPO Saturn, Russia - signed the SaM146 Customer Support Agreement in the presence of Freddy Numberi, Indonesian Minister of Transport.

This agreement follows the firm order of 30 Sukhoi Superjet 100 placed by Kartika Airlines with Sukhoi Civil Aircraft Company (SCAC). The first aircraft service entry is planned for mid 2012.

Through this agreement, Kartika Airlines will benefit from a comprehensive customer support for the entire propulsion system (engine, equipment and nacelle). PowerJet has set up a new standard in Customer Support based on the extensive experience of Snecma (via CFM) and NPO Saturn. With single point-of-contact for aftersales services, PowerJet proposes a team dedicated to each customer, to meet all airline expectations.

With this agreement, the Indonesian carrier becomes the launch customer for this new advanced regional aircraft in South-East Asia, powered by the SaM146 engines.

” PowerJet’s support is extremely important for Kartika to properly operate and maintain our fleet. Training, easy and direct access to the Support Center, availability of updated technical documentations and moreover, presence of a dedicated team to answer our needs allow us to offer reliable and efficient services to our own customers all over Indonesia.” said Kim Mulia.

“We are extremely pleased to sign the SaM146 customer support agreement with Kartika Airlines, reflecting PowerJet’s full-fledged commitment to offering a complete support organization to meet all airline requirements as well as the start-up of operations in Asia,” added Jean-Paul Ebanga.

Note to editors:

• PowerJet, founded in July 2004, is a joint venture of Snecma (Safran group) of France and NPO Saturn of Russia. It is in charge of the SaM146 engine program, including development, production, marketing, sales and support. In April 2003, the SaM146 was selected by Sukhoi Civil Aircraft to power its Sukhoi Superjet 100 regional jet.

• Kartika Airlines is an Indonesian carrier focused on applying best industry practice in terms of safety, customer satisfaction and overall operations procedures.. Since its acquisition by PT. Intra Asia Corpora, Kartika Airlines has introduced a new standard of flying satisfaction through its fast, punctual and reliable services.It operates on domestic, regional and international routes. Its main base is at Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta International Airport. with additional hubs to be open in the near term..

PRESS RELEASE

21.07.2010
Spring Airlines Expands CFM56-5B-powered A320 Fleet

FARNBOROUGH, England - 21 July 2010 - China’s Spring Airlines has selected CFM56-5B engines to power four new Airbus A320 family aircraft in an engine order valued at $70 million U.S. at list price. The airline is scheduled to begin taking delivery in mid-2012.

Spring Airlines, the first low cost carrier in China, is headquartered in Shanghai. As a subsidiary of the Spring International Travel Service Ltd., one of the leading travel service providers in China, the airline began operation in 2005 and a total of 37 purchased and leased CFM56-5B-powered A320 aircraft, either in service or on order. The airline is currently operating 19 A320s.

“We’re pleased to continue our relationship with CFM International and are very satisfied with the excellent performance of CFM56 engines,” said Wang Zhenghua, Chairman of Spring Airlines. “The engine’s low cost of ownership has been a strong contributor to our long-term growth strategy."

“We are obviously honored by Spring Airlines’ continued confidence in the CFM56 product line,” said Eric Bachelet, president and CEO of CFM International, “We look forward to growing and improving this relationship for many more years to come.”

CFM56-5B engines are a product of CFM International (CFM), a 50/50 joint company between Snecma (Safran group) and GE and the world’s leading supplier of commercial aircraft engines.

PRESS RELEASE

21.07.2010
Aircelle’s Annual Awards for Supply Chain Excellence

Farnborough, United Kingdom, July, 21st 2010

Six Aircelle suppliers received the company’s annual awards for excellence at the Farnborough Airshow today.

The awards cover a full range of participants in Aircelle’s supply chain, and are based on criteria that include quality, on-time delivery, engineering capabilities and cost reduction initiatives.

“Aircelle’s ability to meet the performance and delivery schedules for its nacelle systems depends directly on the capabilities of our supply chain,” said Chairman & Chief Executive Officer Vincent Mascré. “The suppliers who are recognized with our latest awards have contributed to Aircelle’s success through significant efforts within their own companies, and we are pleased to acknowledge their excellence.”

Products and services provided by the top suppliers include nacelle components and complex sheet metal parts, as well as composite and mechanical components.

Selected for Aircelle’s latest supplier awards are:

• JPR (Hutchinson group)
• Jehier (Hutchinson group)
• Alcore
• Hartwell (McKechnie group)
• Firth Rixson Forged Metals
• Exotic Metals Forming Company.

*****

About Aircelle (www.aircelle.com) Aircelle is one of the leading players in the worldwide nacelle market for aircraft engines. A subsidiary of the Safran group, it employs nearly 3,000 people on seven sites in France, the United Kingdom and Morocco. Aircelle is the only nacelle manufacturer in the world present on all the market segments, from regional and business aircraft to the largest airliners, including the Airbus A380. Aircelle also is developing the worldwide customer support and service activity for nacelles and their components.

PRESS RELEASE

21.07.2010
Air Arabia Doubles CFM56-Powered A320 Fleet

FARNBOROUGH, England — 21 July 2010 — Air Arabia, the first and largest low-cost carrier in the Middle East and North Africa, today announced the selection of the CFM56-5B engine to power its 44 Airbus A320 family aircraft order announced in 2007. This new engine selection, which will more than double the airlines’ CFM56-5B powered A320 fleet, is valued at more than $620 million U.S. at list price.

Together with the engine selection, Air Arabia also signed a multi-year Rate per Flight Hour (RPFH) service agreement for its CFM56-5B fleet. The RPFH is a comprehensive maintenance program customized to Air Arabia specific needs under which CFM guarantees the maintenance cost on a dollar per engine flight hour basis.

“Air Arabia enjoys a long track record of operational excellence,” said Adel Ali, Group Chief Executive Officer of Air Arabia. “Our fleet growth strategy and the partners we work with, contributes to maintaining this record. We look forward for a long partnership with CFM in powering our new aircraft order”.

Air Arabia became a CFM customer in 2003 when the airline started operations with a CFM56-5B-powered Airbus A320. The airline, which is the winner of the A320 Family Operational Excellence Award by Airbus, currently operates a total fleet of 23 CFM56-5B-powered A320s and the airlines confirmed order of 44 A320 aircraft is schedule to begin delivery later this year. Air Arabia, which serves more than 60 destinations across Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia, was ranked first on Aviation Week’s TPC chart as 2009 world’s best LCC.

"We are obviously very pleased by Air Arabia’s selection of the CFM56-5B engine to power its A320 fleet,” said Eric Bachelet, president and CEO of CFM. “We have established a great relationship with the airline as an operator and are really looking forward to working more closely with them through the RPFH agreement to service and support its growing fleet.”

CFM56-5B engines are a product of CFM International, a 50/50 joint company between Snecma (Safran group) and GE. CFM, the world’s leading supplier of commercial aircraft engines, has delivered approximately 21,000 engines to date.

PRESS RELEASE

21.07.2010
CFM Books $7.3 Billion in New Engine Orders / Services Contracts

FARNBOROUGH, England — 21 July 2010

CFM International announced new orders for more than 825 CFM56 engines, as well as associated long-term services contracts, in the first three days of the 2010 Farnborough Air Show with a total value of more than $7.3 billion U.S. Total 2010 CFM56 orders now stand at 1,135 engines. Below is a recap of the orders announced this week (all values are $ U.S. at list price):

Chilean flag carrier LAN Airlines announced its selection of the CFM56-5B engine to power 70 new Airbus A319/A320/A321 aircraft for delivery beginning in 2011. The airline also signed a Rate Per Flight Hour (RPFH) agreement. The total order is valued at approximately $2 billion.

GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS) announced orders for CFM56-7B and CFM56-5B engines to power 40 new Boeing 737-700/-800/-900 aircraft and 60 Airbus A320 family aircraft, respectively. The Boeing aircraft are scheduled for delivery in 2013, while the A320s will begin delivery in 2012. The combined value of these orders is $1.4 billion.

Air Lease Corporation, the new venture by Steven Udvar-Hazy, ordered 60 CFM56-7B-powered Boeing 737 aircraft. This engine order is valued at $840 million

Air Arabia announced its selection of the CFM56-5B engine to power its 44 Airbus A320 family aircraft order announced in 2007. This new engine selection, which will more than double the airlines’ CFM56-5B powered A320 fleet, is valued at more than $620 million U.S. at list price.

Chinese flag carrier Air China today announced that it has selected the CFM56-5B engine to power 20 firm Airbus A320 aircraft, as well as signing a Rate Per Flight Hour (RPFH) agreement. The total agreement is valued at approximately $600 million. This was a previously counted, but unannounced, order.

China Eastern Airlines also selected the CFM56-5B engine to power 30 new Airbus A320 family aircraft; scheduled for delivery in March 2011, and signed a Rate Per Flight Hour (RPFH) agreement. This announcement is valued at approximately $600 million. This was a previously counted, but unannounced, order.

RBS Aviation Capital ordered 43 CFM56-7B-powered Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft at a value of $600 million. The leasing company has already started taking aircraft delivery. This was a previously counted, but unannounced, order.

Norwegian Air Shuttle ordered 15 new CFM56-7B-powered Boeing 737-800s. The engine portion of the order is valued approximately $210 million.

Avolon, a new leasing company, ordered 12 CFM56-7B-powered Boeing 737-800 aircraft, with an engine value of approximately $165 million.

China’s OKAY airlines orders 10 CFM56-7B-powered Boeing Next-Generation 737 in an engine order valued at $140 million. This was a previously counted, but unannounced, order.

China’s Spring Airlines has selected CFM56-5B engines to power four new Airbus A320 family aircraft in an engine order valued at $56 million U.S. at list price. The airline is scheduled to begin taking delivery in mid-2012.

In addition to announced orders, CFM also signed an additional order with an as yet undisclosed customer for five A320 family aircraft at a value of more than $70 million.

CFM International is a 50/50 joint company between
Snecma (Safran group) and GE

PRESS RELEASE

21.07.2010
Czech Airlines CFM56 Fleet Qualifies for TRUEngine™ Status

FARNBOROUGH, England - 21 July 2010

Czech Airlines (CSA), the flag carrier of the Czech Republic, has achieved TRUEngine™ status for 22 CFM56-3 and 31 CFM-5B engines powering its fleet of Boeing 737-400/-500 and Airbus A319/A320/A321 single-aisle, respectively.

“Czech Airlines puts great emphasis on technical maintenance and excellent condition of its fleet. Usage of CFM56 engines fits very well in this concept,” says Hana Hejsková, director of CSA Communication.

The TRUEngine™ program, which CFM launched in 2008, was developed in response to a growing industry need to better understand engine material content as assets are evaluated and redistributed. TRUEngine™ qualification ensures CFM’s ability to provide optimized support for the engine, which is a key aspect of the value of the CFM56 engines. Customers with qualified engines are also entitled to additional ownership value through extended new parts warranties and complimentary access to the CFM spare engine lease pool.

To date, nearly 5,300 CFM56 engines in service have been granted TRUEngine™ status.

Czech Airlines operates a fleet of 50 modern single-aisle and turbo-prop aircraft with connections to 104 destinations in 44 countries, including most European capitals and major North American destinations, as well as to the Near East and North Africa. CSA additionally provides charter flights, cargo hauls, and a wide variety of ground services.

CFM is a 50/50 joint venture between
Snecma (SAFRAN group) and GE

PRESS RELEASE

22.07.2010
First 787 landing with Messier-Dowty composite landing gear braces

Seattle, Washington, 22 July 2010: Messier-Dowty (Safran Group) has achieved a historical milestone in the development of the Boeing 787 landing gear, with the first successful takeoff and landing of a commercial flight test aircraft equipped with composite braces on the main landing gear.

This test flight, which took place on July 20th on Airplane ZA001 over Boeing Field, is the culmination of major design and development efforts to introduce composite technologies on key structural landing gear components for the 787 program.

The use of composite materials, in conjunction with the expanded use of titanium on other major structural components, including the inner cylinder, significantly reduces the weight of the landing gear versus previous generation steel gears. In addition, composites provide higher resistance to corrosion and fatigue than UHTS steel parts, contributing to greater in-service reliability and greater time between overhauls.

The composite development work for the braces, designed and managed by Messier-Dowty, in conjunction with technical expertise from The Boeing Company, has been Safran-wide effort, leveraging the Group’s expertise in the development of woven composite technologies and Resin Transfer Molding (RTM). Aircelle is responsible for the manufacture of the braces in its Le Havre facility in France.

Selected in 2004, Messier-Dowty is responsible for the design, development and manufacture of the main and nose landing gears for the 787 program. The 787 is the world’s first commercial aircraft to benefit from composites technology on the landing gear.

***

Messier-Dowty, a Safran group company, is the world leader in the design, development, manufacture and support of landing gear systems. Messier-Dowty landing gear are in service on more than 20,500 aircraft making over 35,000 landings every day.
The company supplies 33 airframe manufacturers and supports 3,000 operators of large commercial aircraft, regional and business aircraft, military aircraft and helicopters.
Messier-Dowty is also the majority shareholder of the worldwide MRO network, Messier Services.
Messier-Dowty and Messier Services together have 4,500 employees across sites in Europe, North America and Asia.

PRESS RELEASE

22.07.2010
S.A.T. & Germania Order CFM56-5B-powered Airbus A319

FARNBOROUGH, England - 22 July 2010

S.A.T., the holding company of Berlin- based Germania, has chosen the CFM56-5B engine to power five new Airbus A319 aircraft announced July 21 and scheduled for delivery from 2011. The engine order is valued at $70 million U.S. at list price.

With this new order, the close bonds between CFM and the Germania Group are further strengthened for a successful joint future. Germania was been awarded special recognition by CFM on several occasions for its excellent maintenance practices and continued fleet reliability over the past 20 years.

Germania began operations in 1979 under the brand SAT. Since then, the airline has flown millions of passengers every year to more than 30 International destinations. The airline operates on three business fields, wet-lease, charter and scheduled services.

State-of-the-art CFM56 Tech Insertion engines will provide Germania significant operational benefits. Over the engine’s life cycle, the engines will provide the airline with better specific fuel consumption, which translates to better fuel burn and, as a result, lower CO2 emissions. The engine also meets the new International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Committee of Aviation Environmental Protection standards (CAEP /6) that took effect in early 2008.

Tech Insertion will also result in longer time on wing through an equivalent 15 - 20°C additional exhaust gas temperature margin; between 5 and 15 percent lower maintenance costs (depending on the thrust rating) through enhanced durability. These benefits are achieved through improvements to the high-pressure compressor, the combustor, and the high- and low-pressure turbines.

CFM International is a 50/50 joint company between
Snecma (Safran group) and GE

PRESS RELEASE

23.07.2010
Turbomeca Arrius 2B engines: 200, 000 flight hours on the Austrian Automobile Club’s helicopters

Bordes, 23 July 2010

The Arrius 2B engines, powering the 27 ÖAMTC’s EC 135T helicopters, clock up today 200,000 flight hours. These twin engine-helicopters’ missions, EMS type, have very important operational constraints.

“This is an important milestone for our EC 135T fleet, which 100% of it is equipped with the Arrius 2B engine, as our entire fleet is powered by Turbomeca engines. The reliability of the Arrius engines and our close working relationship with Turbomeca Germany is a key factor for the success of our missions.” said Martin Weger, Director of maintenance and Wolfgang Burger, Technical Director.

To date, the ÖAMTC’s entire fleet is deployed over 16 bases in the summer and 22 in the winter. Since the beginning, more than 200,000 missions have been accomplished. These missions, EMS type, have very important operational constraints, as the helicopters availability or the high mountain environment. The whole engines fleet is maintained by Heliair, a 35-person team.

Arrius 2B2 to power the EC 135T2

The Arrius 2B2 was designed to allow a greater take-off weight in category A. It offers the best performances at high altitudes and temperatures. In addition, the engine TBO (Time Between Overhaul) has been expanded up to 4,000 hours.

Customers also benefit from a computerized maintenance aid which allows them to process the data downloaded from the EECU (Engine Electronic Control Unit).

The family of Arrius engines relies on a solid experience of more than 2,500 delivered engines, accumulating over four million flight hours. Turbomeca worldwide network already provides the after sales support of Arrius for 430 customers in 60 countries.

About Turbomeca Turbomeca (Safran group) is the leading helicopter engine manufacturer, and has produced over 68 000 turbines based on its own designs since the company was founded. Dedicated to 2,350 customers in 155 countries, Turbomeca provides a proximity service thanks to its 16 sites, 26 Maintenance Centers, 24 Repair & Overhaul Centers and 90 Field representatives and Field technicians. Microturbo, the subsidiary of Turbomeca, is the European leader in turbojet engines for missiles, drones and auxiliary power units.

PRESS RELEASE

28.07.2010
Safran reports improved half-year results for 2010 with a recurring operating margin of 8.2% of revenue

Leading to an upward revision of full-year outlook.

All figures in this press release represent Adjusted(1) data. Note that Adjusted income statement now excludes the PPA entries related to all major acquisitions, notably in Security (Euro 23 million in first-half 2010, compared to Euro 7 million in first-half 2009). Restated full-year 2009 and first-half 2009 income statements are provided in the Annex. Please also refer to definitions and reconciliation between H1 2010 consolidated income statement and adjusted income statement provided in the Notes.

Key numbers for first-half 2010

• First-half 2010 adjusted revenue was Euro 5,197 million, up 0.9% year-on-year, or -2.2% on an organic basis.
• Adjusted recurring[2] operating income at Euro 428 million (8.2% of revenue)) at a hedge rate of USD1.45 to the Euro, up 23% year-on-year (based on the current definition of Adjusted income; i.e. excluding PPA). There were no one-off items, therefore profit from operations was Euro 428 million.
• Adjusted net income - group share up 8% from H1 2009 restated at Euro 223 million (Euro 0.56 per share).
• Free cash flow generation of Euro 188 million leading to net debt of Euro 573 million as of June 30, 2010, despite high negative effect of French MoD payment delays which rose by Euro 241 million since December 31, 2009.
• Full-year 2010 guidance upgraded : Safran expects revenue to be similar to 2009, recurring operating margin to trend towards the 8% range (at a targeted hedge rate of USD 1.44 to the Euro) and free cash flow to represent at least half of the recurring operating income (assuming that French MoD payment delays are significantly resorbed).

Key business highlights for first-half 2010

• Safran inaugurated four new sites to increase its industrial efficiency : in France, a new Turbomeca facility in Bordes to produce helicopter engines and a new R&D centre in Massy to offer world-class expertise in electronics and safety-critical software, as well as two new plants in Queretaro, Mexico to produce parts for CFM56 engines powering the B737, and main parts for landing gear on the A320, A330 and B787.
• The Aerospace Propulsion service share of revenue remained globally stable at 49.0%, softness of CFM56 aftermarket being offset by strengths in military, helicopter and high-thrust engines services. The service share in Aircraft Equipment slightly increased from 31.3% to 32.6% of revenue..
• CFM International announced new orders for more than 825 CFM56 engines, as well as associated long-term services contracts, at 2010 Farnborough Air Show with a total value of more than $7.3 billion - list price (LAN Airlines, Air Lease Corporation, Air China, GECAS, Air Arabia, China Eastern Airlines, …).
• Continued commercial momentum in Defence, notably in portable optronics equipment such as infrared binoculars and sight equipment.
• New contract wins in Security : Secure travel documents for Dutch government, a turnkey biometric solution for Malaysia’s ID document system, a secure driver license system for the state of North Carolina (USA).

Paris, July 28, 2010 - The Supervisory Board of Safran (NYSE Euronext Paris: SAF) chaired by Francis Mer met in Paris on July 27, 2010. The financial statements for the first-half 2010 approved by the Management Board were submitted to the Supervisory Board.

Executive commentary

CEO Jean-Paul Herteman commented:

“ Safran’s environment continued to improve in the first half of 2010. We saw encouraging economic signs, including increases in airline passenger traffic and freight loadings, decreases in number of parked aircraft and decisions from airframers to increase narrowbody airplanes production rates in outer quarters. In Security, public investments in people identification and in luggage checking reinforcements continued to increase.

Our first-half performance leads us to review our full-year ambitions, the balance of opportunities versus the challenges is such that some upside is likely. We will continue to optimize our hedging portfolio on a 3-year rolling basis and maintain our cost reduction effort. We are confident we are on track for solid earnings growth in future years. ”

First-half 2010 results

Safran delivered solid operational performance in first-half 2010 enabling to upgrade the full-year outlook.

Slightly growing revenue. For first-half 2010, Safran’s revenue was Euro 5,197 million, compared to a Euro 5,149 million in the same period a year ago, a 0.9% year-on-year increase. Group revenue declined by 2.2% organically.

First-half 2010 revenue increased by Euro 48 million on a reported basis, highlighting growth of nearly 10% in the Defence business (notably in optronics), and in Security (primarily in detection). It also resulted from a mild decline in aerospace original equipment revenue while services revenue remained resilient. On an organic basis, revenue declined by Euro 114 million as a result, essentially of the anticipated lower revenue of a particularly large Identification program in the Ivory Coast now tailing off.

Organic revenue was determined by deducting from 2010 figures the contribution of Security activities acquired in 2009 when compared to 2009 scope of consolidation and by applying constant exchange rates. Hence, the following calculations were applied:

The favourable currency impact in revenue of Euro 38 million for first-half 2010 reflected a global positive translation effect on the revenue exposed to foreign currencies, notably in USD, Australian dollar and Brazilian real. It was partly offset by a negative transaction impact with a mild deterioration in the Group’s hedged rate (USD1.45 to the Euro vs. USD1.43 in the year ago period).

Recurring operating margin up by 1.5 point. For first-half 2010, Safran’s recurring operating income was Euro 428 million (8.2% of revenue), up 23.3% compared to first-half 2009 restated figure of Euro 347 million, 6.7% of revenue. After taking into account the slight adverse currency impact (Euro 6 million) and positive impact from acquisitions (Euro 23 million), organic improvement was Euro 64 million or 18.4% year-over-year.

All four activities contributed to this solid improvement realizing the benefits of over two years of Safran+ savings, as well as SG&A, R&D and productivity improvements. Aerospace services and detection in security were the most buoyant businesses, while losses were significantly reduced in the nacelle activity.

There were no one-off items during the first-half 2010 period:

Adjusted net income - group share grew by 8% year-over-year. The adjusted net income attributable to equity holders of the parent was Euro 223 million or Euro 0.56 per share, compared to Euro 207 million (Euro 0.52 per share) in first half-2009 restated. In addition to the rise in recurring operating income, this improved performance reflects:

• Net financial expense was Euro 136 million, including Euro 20 million of cost of net debt.
• Tax expense came in at Euro 70 million.

The reconciliation between H1 2010 consolidated income statement and adjusted income statement is provided and commented on in the Notes.

balance sheet and cash flow

Slight increase in net debt. The net debt position was Euro 573 million as of June 30, 2010 compared to Euro 498 million as of December 31, 2009, a slight increase of Euro 75 million. Free cash flow generation of Euro 188 million was driven by the high level of operating profitability (cash from operations of Euro 573 million) offset by an increase in working capital needs of Euro 131 million. The negative change in working capital resulted from the payment delays from the French Ministry of Defence of Euro 269 million at June 30, 2010 (vs. Euro 28 million at December 31, 2009) due to a new IT system implementation. A dividend of Euro 152 million was paid in June (€0.38 per share).

With cash and marketable securities of Euro 1.4 billion and the availability of secured and undrawn facilities amounting to Euro 1.1 billion as of June 30, 2010, Safran is adequately funded.

Research & Development

The self-funded R&D effort before research tax credit was Euro 291 million or 5.6% of revenue in first-half 2010, stable compared to first-half 2009. It reflects the tailing off of R&D development programs on the SaM146 and TP400 engines offset by new developments taking place on LEAP-X and Silvercrest engines. The impact on operating income after tax credit was down Euro 36 million compared to last year, as a result of higher tax credit, lower depreciation and amortization and higher capitalized expenses.

Outlook

Bearing in mind the uncertainty of the timing of a recovery for CFM aftermarket and a slightly less favourable USD currency hedge (targeted hedge rate of USD 1.44 to the Euro vs. USD 1.42 in 2009), first-half solid performance leads to an upward revision of the full-year 2010 outlook (based on the current definition of Adjusted income; i.e. excluding PPA):

• Revenue is expected to be similar to 2009.
• Recurring operating margin is expected to improve towards the 8% range (at a targeted hedge rate of USD 1.44 to the Euro).
• Free cash flow is expected to represent at least half of the recurring operating income (assuming that French MoD payment delays are significantly resorbed).

The full-year 2010 outlook is based on the following underlying assumptions:

• A 5%+ increase in global air traffic.
• A stabilization in original equipment commercial aviation business.
• A moderate growth in sales in aerospace services, back ended (H2 2010).
• Strong and profitable growth for the Security business.
• On-going Safran+ plan to enhance profitability and reduce overheads.

Currency hedges

The Group has put in place currency hedges for the next 3 years. At July 26, 2010, the firm hedging portfolio amounted to USD 13.7 billion. Taking advantage of recent Euro weakness, the portfolio has been optimized to reduce operational headwinds in 2010 (new target of USD 1.44 to the Euro compared to USD 1.46 previously) and increase the favourable impact in 2012 and 2013. The mid-term target was lowered to USD 1.30 to the Euro versus a previous objective of USD 1.35 providing long term opportunity for stronger performance.

Business commentary

Aerospace Propulsion

OEM CFM56 engine deliveries at 636 units were up by 39 units compared to the same period a year ago. After a successful Farnborough air show, total 2010 CFM56 orders now stand at 1,135 engines (July 21). Revenue from OEM helicopter engines was slightly down, as a result of negative volume and mix conditions although this was partly offset by better pricing terms. Space & missile propulsion revenue was particularly high in the first half of the year. SaM146 regional jet engine received EASA certification on June 23, paving the way for Sukhoi Superjet 100 entry into service and the certification of the TP400 engine for the A400M is progressing well.

On a first-half 2010 basis, service revenue share was flat at 49.0% of Aerospace Propulsion revenue, benefiting from a robust contribution from aftermarket: military and helicopter engines, as well as from recent high-thrust civil engines. The aftermarket revenue growth was offset by worldwide CFM International spare parts revenue down 25% in USD terms, highlighting soft and volatile airlines spending in maintenance. The estimated* total number of shop visits for CFM-equipped civil aircraft decreased to 1,011 as compared to 1,174 in first-half 2009. It is generally expected that a reversal of this trend should occur in late 2010 or early 2011. (*) shop visit numbers are estimates; these can be revised marginally in the future as airlines finalise reports.

First-half 2010 recurring operating income was Euro 311 million (11.3% of revenue), up 15% on a restated basis compared to Euro 271 million in the year-ago period (9.8% of revenue). This significant improvement despite a soft CFM aftermarket environment resulted from a strong military and high-thrust engines activity in spares and the ramp-up of recent Support-By-The-Hour maintenance contracts, primarily in helicopter engines. Profits were also driven by R&D efficiency, Safran+ cost reduction efforts and the benefits of a more efficient production tool on higher OE CFM56 volumes. The currency impact had a slight adverse impact on profitability.

Aircraft Equipment

The decline in revenue was primarily attributable to a continuing decline of the business and regional jet segments which impacted the nacelle, landing system and harnessing businesses. The nacelle activity recorded a significant drop in small nacelles deliveries (down 27%), as well as lower deliveries of A380 nacelles (28 units in the first-half 2010 compared to 41 nacelles in the year-ago period) due to aircraft delivery slippages at the end of 2009. Other large nacelle business benefited from higher deliveries, notably driven by the A330 and A320. The first-half 2010 saw a solid performance in services (landing gear, brakes, wheels) in both military and civil activities.

On a first-half 2010 basis, service revenue share slightly increased from 31.3% to 32.6% of Aerospace Equipment revenue, benefiting mainly from landing and braking systems.

First-half 2010 recurring operating income was Euro 68 million (4.9% of revenue), up 45% on a restated basis compared to Euro 47 million in the year-ago period (3.3% of revenue). The improvement resulted from tangible turnaround in the nacelle activity, notably lower production costs on A380 and a favourable product mix (A330). It was also driven by a robust contribution from Messier Services on landing systems, and better volume and conditions on B787 harnessing activity.

Defence

First-half 2010 recurring operating income at Euro 28 million (5.0% of revenue) was up compared to a restated Euro 19 million (3.7% of revenue) in first-half 2009 thanks to higher profits in Optronics while Avionics continued to experience industrialization issues.

Security

First-half 2010 recurring operating income was Euro 61 million (12.7% of revenue), up 53% compared to Euro 40 million (9.2% of revenue) in the year-ago period. The incremental contribution of identification solutions and smart cards activity was fully offset by the impact on profits of lower revenue of the identification government contract in Ivory Coast. The improvement was therefore exclusively due to the contribution of newly-acquired activities.

Upcoming events

Q3 2010 revenue : October 22, 2010
FY 2010 results : February 24, 2011

Safran will host today a conference call open to analysts and journalists at 9:00 am which can be accessed at +33 1 72 00 13 68 from France and +44 203 367 9459 from the UK. A replay will be available until August 11, 2010 at +33 1 72 00 15 00, +44 203 367 9460 and +1 877 642 3018 (access code 270406#).

The press release, presentation and consolidated financial statements are available on the website at www.safran-group.com.

Key figures

Notes

(1) Adjusted data To reflect the Group’s actual economic performance and enable it to be monitored and benchmarked against competitors, Safran prepares an adjusted income statement alongside its condensed interim consolidated financial statements.

Safran’s interim consolidated income statement has been adjusted for the impact of:

• purchase price allocations with respect to material business combinations. Since 2005, this restatement concerns the amortization charged against intangible assets relating to aeronautical programs that were revalued at the time of the Sagem-Snecma merger. With effect from the first-half 2010 interim financial statements, the Group has decided to restate the impact of purchase price allocations for all material business combinations (and not only those relating to the Sagem-Snecma merger). In particular, this concerns the amortization of intangible assets recognized at the time of the acquisition, and amortized over extended periods, justified by the length of the Group’s business cycles;

• the mark-to-market of foreign currency derivatives, in order to better reflect the economic substance of the Group’s overall foreign currency risk hedging strategy:
   revenue net of purchases denominated in foreign currencies is measured using the effective hedging rate, i.e., including the costs of the hedging strategy,
   the recognition of all mark-to-market changes on non-settled hedging instruments at the closing date is neutralized, including the “ineffective” portion with effect from the publication of the 2009 financial statements, given that the Group’s hedging strategy includes optional hedging instruments and optimization measures combined with highly volatile market inputs used to mark to market.

H1 2010 reconciliation between consolidated income statement and adjusted consolidated income statement:

H1 2010 consolidated net result was a net loss of Euro 973 million, highly impacted by the large adverse change in the mark-to-market of derivative hedging instruments (Euro 1.8 billion). This change in mainly due to the high volatility observed on the Euro/USD exchange rate. The hedging instruments portfolio was marked-to-market using 1.23 at June 30, 2010 closing exchange rate, against 1.44 as of December 31, 2009.

Readers are reminded that only the interim consolidated financial statements are reviewed by the Group’s Statutory Auditors. The interim consolidated financial statements include revenue and operating profit indicators set out in the adjusted data section of Note 5, “Segment information”. Adjusted financial data other than the data provided in Note 5, “Segment information”, are subject to verification procedures applicable to all of the information provided in the interim activity report.

(2) Recurring operating income In order to better reflect the current economic performance, this subtotal named “recurring operating income” excludes income and expenses which are largely unpredictable because of their unusual, infrequent and/or material nature such as: impairment losses/reversals, capital gains/losses on disposals of operations and other unusual and/or material non operational items.

Safran is a leading international high-technology group with three core businesses: Aerospace (propulsion and equipment), Defence and Security. Operating worldwide, the Safran group has 55,000 employees and generated sales exceeding 10.4 billion euros in 2009. Working alone or in partnership, Safran holds world or European leadership positions in its core markets. The Group invests heavily in Research & Development to meet the requirements of changing markets, including expenditures of 1.1 billion euros in 2009. Safran is listed on NYSE Euronext Paris and its share is part of the SBF 120 and Euronext 100 indexes. For more information, www.safran-group.com

Annex

As a consequence of the changes in definition and in presentation of Adjusted data as of December 31, 2009 and June 30, 2010, the full-year and first-half 2009 adjusted income statements have been restated in order to provide comparable data for future results. These restatements aim to meet investors expectations and provide better transparency.

In the first half 2010, the Group decided to adjust its consolidated income statement for the impacts of the purchase price allocation entries for all major business combinations (especially those related to the acquisitions in the Security business) and not only those related to the Sagem-Snecma merger. In accordance with IFRS 3 and IFRS 3R standards, the Group recognizes, among other impacts, material intangible assets with a long useful life, justified by the long economic cycles of the Group’s activities, what doesn’t enable to reflect the Group’s actual economic performance and be benchmarked against competitors.

In 2009, the Group decided to change the method for reporting the adjustment concerning the mark-to-market of hedging instruments that were unsettled at the reporting date. Previously, only the "effective" portion of the mark-to-market of such instruments was neutralized until settlement, with the "ineffective" portion recognized in adjusted financial income (loss). Given that the Group’s hedging strategy includes optional hedging instruments and optimization measures combined with highly volatile market inputs used to mark to market, this presentation does not appear to be appropriate to reflect the Group’s economic performance. Consequently, all mark-to market changes relating to unsettled hedging instruments at the closing date are neutralized. The published adjusted 2009 half-yearly consolidated income statement didn’t take into account this change in the method.

As from the 2009 annual reporting period, the Group decided to present the financial component for pensions within financial items and no longer as an operational item. The published 2009 half-yearly consolidated and adjusted income statements didn’t reflect this change in presentation.

As from the 2009 annual reporting period, the Group decided to present an intermediary sub-total, “recurring operating income” within the operating income for a better view of the Group’s operating performance. This sub-total excludes income and expenses which are largely unpredictable because of their unusual, infrequent and/or material nature. This sub-total was not presented in the published 2009 half-yearly consolidated financial statements.

To summarize, first-half and annual 2009 adjusted results which shall serve as a basis of comparison have been restated for:

(i) Purchase price allocation entries impacts for major acquisitions (especially in the Security business). (ii) The change in presentation related to the financial component of pension charges. (iii) The “ineffective” portion of the mark-to-market of unsettled derivatives hedging instruments. (iv) The presentation of a “recurring operating income” sub-total.ultat opérationnel courant ».

KEY ADJUSTED FIGURES: H1 2009 RESTATED

H1 2009 reconciliation between consolidated income statement and adjusted consolidated income statement.

KEY ADJUSTED FIGURES: FY 2009 RESTATED

FY 2009 reconciliation between consolidated income statement and adjusted consolidated income statement.

PRESS RELEASE

23.07.2010
Morpho Detection Previews Evolutionary Shoe Scanning Device at Indianapolis International Airport

Indianapolis – July 23, 2010

Morpho Detection, Inc., part of Morpho, Safran group’s security business, this week launched a data collection study of its next-generation ShoeScanner™ at Indianapolis International Airport (IND), one of the final steps in preparing this solution for regulatory approvals.

The data collection will take place at Indianapolis International Airport’s pre-security Civic Plaza and is expected to provide critical insights into real-world operational requirements. Morpho Detection’s latest-technology shoe scanning device (SSD) is designed to detect shoe-borne threats, allowing air travelers to be screened at security checkpoints without the need to remove their shoes.

“We’re excited to take this important next step towards the acceptance and adoption of advanced shoe screening technology,” said Dennis Cooke, president and CEO, Morpho Detection, Inc. “There is a growing global demand for a convenient and effective shoe scanning option, and we’re pleased to offer Indianapolis travelers the opportunity to be part of the final development of this solution.”

“The Indianapolis data collection will take us one step closer to the checkpoint of the future – armed with real-world data, we are confident we can deliver highly effective shoe scanners that provide a fast, convenient solution for travelers around the world,” said John C. Hill, chief technology officer, Morpho Detection, Inc.

***

About Morpho Detection, Inc.
Morpho Detection, part of Morpho, a business of the Safran group (PAR: SAF), is a leading supplier of explosives and narcotics detection systems for government, military, air and ground transportation, first responder, critical infrastructure and other high-risk organizations.
Formed in 2009 following Safran Group’s acquisition of GE Security’s Homeland Protection business, Morpho Detection integrates computed tomography (CT), Raman Spectroscopy, trace (ITMS™ technology), X-ray and X-ray Diffraction technologies into solutions that can make security activities more accurate, productive and efficient. With industry-leading products such as the Itemiser® DX trace detection system, the CTX line of explosive detection systems (EDS), and the StreetLab® Mobile hand-held chemical and biological substance identification unit, Morpho Detection’s solutions are deployed to help protect people and property in some of the most important and sensitive world locations.

PRESS RELEASE

30.07.2010
Mahindra Satyam and Morpho selected to deliver India’s next generation Unique Identification Number Program

HYDERABAD, India, July 30, 2010

Mahindra Satyam, the brand identity of Satyam Computer Services Ltd. (NYSE:SAY), a leading global consulting and IT services provider and Morpho (Safran group), the world leader in biometric technologies and identification solutions, today announced that the Mahindra Satyam and Morpho led consortium has been selected as one of the key partners to implement and deliver the Aadhaar program by UIDAI (Unique Identification Authority of India).

Aadhaar, the largest identity program in the world is designed to secure the identity of the residents of India, which is currently close to 1.2 billion. Based on latest generation biometric technologies (fingerprints and iris recognition), it aims to provide a unique identification number to each Indian resident to provide them with secure access to benefits and services (education, telecom, medical care, banking and financial services) as well as political and economic rights.

The Mahindra Satyam and Morpho team was selected by UIDAI as one of the three key partners for the initial phase of this program. This first stage will run up to two years during which a total of 200 million residents are expected to be registered by a combination of the three selected providers.

Mahindra Satyam and Morpho will develop and maintain systems that will cross-check every new application by sifting through the biometrics database, preventing accidental or fraudulent duplication and ensuring that each identification number is unique. Morpho will provide the biometric technology while Mahindra Satyam will integrate and provide support across platforms and databases.

“We are very honored to have earned this mark of trust from UIDAI and proud to combine our strength, knowledge and experience with Mahindra Satyam in this major technological challenge,” commented Mr. Jean-Paul Jainksy, Chairman and CEO of Morpho “Looking beyond the solely technological aspects, the Aadhaar project also gives us the opportunity to take part in a project that will support India’s development and take advantage of the demographic dividend to keep moving forward. This is at the heart of Morpho’s mission and reflects our ongoing commitment to India. The Aadhaar Project is clearly a transformational initiative that will change the course of biometrics technology.”

Speaking on this occasion, Mr. CP Gurnani, CEO, Mahindra Satyam, said, “Mahindra Satyam is proud to collaborate with Morpho, a world leader in biometric technologies, on this prestigious national project. This is yet another testimony of our abilility to integrate complex technologies to bring manageable solutions for India’s needs. We are confident that with our technological prowess and Morpho’s capabilities in the biometric space, we can address the requirements of UIDAI and take India Inc to an altogether greater high.”

The combination of Mahindra Satyam’s domain expertise and Morpho’s technology played the decisive role in being chosen by UIDAI. With this selection, Morpho continues to confirm its world leadership in biometric identification systems, already in service in more than 100 countries around the world while Mahindra Satyam continues to demonstrate its leadership in the field of Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) and offer real-world solutions to organizations.

About Morpho Morpho, a high-technology company in the Safran group, is one of the world’s leading suppliers of identification, detection and e-document solutions. Morpho is specialized in personal rights and flow management applications, in particular based on biometrics, a sector in which it is the world leader, as well as secure terminals and smart cards. Morpho’s integrated systems and equipment are deployed worldwide and contribute to the safety and security of transportation, data, people and countries.
For more information: www.morpho.com - www.safran-group.com

About Mahindra Satyam Mahindra Satyam (NYSE: SAY) is a leading global business and information technology services company that leverages deep industry and functional expertise, leading technology practices, and an advanced, global delivery model to help clients transform their highest-value business processes and improve their business performance. The company’s professionals excel in enterprise solutions, supply chain management, client relationship management, business intelligence, business process quality, engineering and product lifecycle management, and infrastructure services, among other key capabilities. Mahindra Satyam is part of the $7.1 billion Mahindra Group, a global industrial federation of companies and one of the top 10 industrial firms based in India. The Group’s interests span financial services, automotive products, trade, retail and logistics, information technology and infrastructure development. Mahindra Satyam’s development and delivery centers in the US, Canada, Brazil, the UK, Hungary, Egypt, UAE, India, China, Malaysia, Singapore, and Australia serve numerous clients, including many Fortune 500 organizations.
For more information, see www.mahindrasatyam.com, Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/mahindra_satyam

Safe Harbor This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The forward-looking statements contained herein are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those reflected in the forward-looking statements. Mahindra Satyam undertakes no duty to update any forward-looking statements.

PRESS RELEASE

12.08.2010
French Interior Ministry chooses Sagem’s Patroller drone system for operational civil security trials

Paris, August 12, 2010 Paris

Sagem (Safran group) has been selected by the Civil Security Division of the French Ministry of the Interior, in a competitive bidding process, to conduct, from 16 to 31 August, operational trials with the Patroller™ surveillance drone system.

During this series of tests, the Patroller system will offer complete image surveillance services in the Provence-Alps-Côte d’Azur region of southern France to support a broad spectrum of civil security missions. It will be fitted with the Euroflir gyrostabilized optronics pod, also by Sagem, including both daytime and infrared sensors. Remotely operated from a ground station via a real-time link, this payload will enable the detection and precision location of fire starts, thus offering invaluable aid to fire-fighting and search & rescue (SAR) teams.

The Patroller ground station, located at the Canjuers military camp, will be connected via radio and satellite links to the French Civil Security Division’s command centers. Units in the field will also be equipped with a Sagem RVT portable remote video terminal, enabling the direct reception of images from the Patroller drone in flight.

Based at the Cannes-Mandelieu airport, the Patroller aircraft will be operated in drone mode, although it will also carry a pilot to enable it to integrate civilian airspace, as required by current regulations.

This is the first contract for the Patroller, a 1-ton-class medium-altitude, long-endurance (MALE) drone, with optional manned operation, based on an S-15 aircraft built by Stemme of Germany and certified by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). The contract was awarded following four successful series of tests, including the last in drone mode, performed in June at the Istres air base.

Patroller draws on the technologies developed by Sagem for the Sperwer Mk II tactical drone system, and the experience logged by this system during deployment in Afghanistan. While keeping costs under control, Patroller also meets defense, homeland security and civil security requirements for long-endurance surveillance missions. The system’s modular design means that it can be fitted with pod-mounted payloads and satellite links for missions lasting 20 to 30 hours and more, at a maximum altitude of 25,000 ft.

PRESS RELEASE

23.08.2010
Labinal acquires Harvard Custom Manufacturing

Paris, August 23, 2010

Labinal, Inc. a company of the Safran group, announced today it has entered into an agreement to acquire Harvard Custom Manufacturing, Inc (HCM). Located in Salisbury, Maryland, HCM produces electrical wiring systems for industry leaders in the commercial and military aerospace industry.

“The acquisition of Harvard Custom Manufacturing represents a great opportunity for Labinal to expand its global customer presence and product offering. HCM’s manufacturing expertise and customer service excellence will be great additions to Labinal’s business. Bringing together complementary product lines and services in commercial and military markets, this acquisition strengthens our collective response to market demands. We are very excited to have the HCM team join Labinal.” said Jorge Ortega, VP and General Manager of Labinal North America Wiring Division.

“We are likewise excited about the opportunity to join forces with Labinal. Our companies share a common commitment to excellence in serving the aerospace electronics market and both firms have a long track record of success in this industry. We believe that the combination of our expertise in the defense aerospace sector combined with Labinal’s global presence will enable us to serve our customers in a stronger and expanded fashion. We are also pleased with Labinal’s commitment to the community and our employees and the opportunities they will have as part of the Labinal organization,” said Greg Moffitt, CEO of HCM.

Harvard Custom Manufacturing is intended to continue to operate without disruption to its diverse customer base. Pending receipt of regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions, Labinal expects the transaction to be finalized by the end of the year.

About Labinal One of the Safran group’s high tech companies, Labinal is a world leader in the field of electrical wiring systems – and studies in their engineering and associated technology – for the aviation, space and defense markets. The company’s unmatched expertise is founded on decades of design, development and manufacturing success with long-term partnerships with the leading aerospace companies. Labinal’s industrial activities, market segment oriented and customer-driven, are organized in four Divisions: Europe Wiring, North America Wiring, Safran Engineering Services and Labinal Services.

PRESS RELEASE

24.08.2010
SaM146 engine receives its Type Certificate from Interstate Aviation Committee Aviation Register

Paris, France, August 24, 2010 – SaM146 engine has received Interstate Aviation Committee Aviation Register (IAC AR) Type Certificate. The Russian agency issued the official engine Type Certificate on August 13, 2010. The SaM146 is now certified for service in Russia on regional jet aircraft.

"We are particularly pleased to receive the approval of IAC AR for the SaM146 engine certification, just after the Type Certificate from European Aviation Safety Agency in June," said Jean-Paul Ebanga, Chairman and CEO of PowerJet. " First engine jointly designed and produced in France and in Russia, the SaM146 has achieved another major milestone. We are now looking forward to seeing the Sukhoi Superjet 100 powered by SaM146 engines enter revenue service in the next few months,” he added.

The SaM146 completed its certification tests on May 26 by passing the final medium bird ingestion test. Throughout the certification test program, the SaM146’s performance has fully met or exceeded expectations. The SaM146 engine has logged 7,400 hours of testing to date, including 3,600 hours in flight.

PowerJet is now focusing on the ramp-up in engine production, as well as gearing up for in-service support to ensure customer satisfaction.

PowerJet, founded in July 2004, is a joint venture of Snecma (Safran group) of France and NPO Saturn of Russia. It is in charge of the SaM146 engine program, including development, production, marketing, sales and support. In April 2003, the SaM146 was selected by Sukhoi Civil Aircraft to power its Sukhoi Superjet 100 regional jet.

PRESS RELEASE

30.08.2010
Statement from Safran

Paris, 30 August 2010

Following certain information published in the press this morning, Safran would like to reiterate the statements made in its press release of 11 July (see below), and states that the Group is not in the process of preparing an offer for Zodiac.

Safran indicates that there have been no new developments since the previous press release. The Group remains convinced of the industrial and strategic logic of bringing together the activities of both groups, for all stakeholders involved.

Safran is a leading international high-technology group with three core businesses: Aerospace (propulsion and equipment), Defence and Security. Operating worldwide, the Safran group has 55,000 employees and generated sales exceeding 10.4 billion euros in 2009. Working alone or in partnership, Safran holds world or European leadership positions in its core markets. The Group invests heavily in Research & Development to meet the requirements of changing markets, including expenditures of 1.1 billion euros in 2009. Safran is listed on NYSE Euronext Paris and its share is part of the SBF 120 and Euronext 100 indexes.

PRESS RELEASE

31.08.2010
Karen Bomba named Chairman & CEO of Labinal

Blagnac, 31 August 2010

Effective 1st September 2010, Karen Bomba has been appointed Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Labinal (Safran group), reporting to Yves Leclère, Executive Vice President, Aircraft Equipment branch. Karen Bomba succeeds Norman Jordan.

“Karen has held a number of senior management positions in the aerospace industry, including extensive previous experience with the Safran group, and we are very pleased that Karen will now lead Labinal,” said Yves Leclère. “She has an excellent track record of delivering growth and performance as well as driving customer focus.”

“Karen will bring a wealth of experience to Labinal,” added Yves Leclère. "She joins Labinal at a very exciting time in the company’s history. It is very well positioned as a world leader in aircraft wiring systems, with new technologies and capabilities, plus a full-fledged commitment to quality, customer satisfaction and service that is recognized worldwide."

Karen Bomba received a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and a Master of Science in Manufacturing Engineering from UCLA. She began her career at Northrop Corporation’s Advanced Systems Division facilities in California as Manufacturing Engineering Manager, working on the structures and systems for the B-2 bomber program. Then, she spent seven years as Business Line Manager for Aircraft Structures, Insulation Products and Carbon-Carbon brakes at Hitco Carbon Composites in Gardena, CA. In 2000, she was appointed Chairman and CEO of Messier-Bugatti USA, a subsidiary of Messier-Bugatti, Safran group. In 2008, she joined Zoltek Companies, Inc. as Chief Operating Officer.

PRESS RELEASE

31.08.2010
Messier Services announces major contract signature with Alitalia

Velizy, France - August, 31st 2010

Messier Services (Safran group) and Alitalia signed an agreement covering equipment services on their 90 A320 family aircraft.

According to this 3-year contract which starts immediately, Messier Services is the exclusive provider for some components and services on braking and steering systems.

The work will be carried out in Messier Services France’s Molsheim, Alsace facility.

PRESS RELEASE

01.09.2010
Morpho Detection Explosives Detection Systems Bring State-of-the-Art Technology to India’s Largest Airport

Newark, Calif. – Aug. 31, 2010

Morpho Detection, Inc., part of Morpho, Safran group’s security business, today announced the installation of six CTX 9400 DSi™ explosives detection systems (EDS) at the newly constructed Terminal 3 of Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), one of the largest airport terminal buildings in the world.

The CTX 9400 DSi systems are the first in India to utilize the advanced imaging capabilities of computed tomography (CT) technology for aviation security. This technology not only helps to ensure the security of travelers but also has a low false alarm rate, allowing screeners to positively identify threats while expeditiously examining all baggage.

“Morpho Detection is pleased to bring CT technology for checked bag screening to India,” said Dennis Cooke, president and CEO, Morpho Detection, Inc. “With the adoption of the CTX 9400 explosives detection solution, Indira Gandhi Airport serves as a model for the future of aviation security across India.”

"Safety and convenience has always been our goal at DIAL. We strongly believe that we will achieve more with the installation of high-tech CTX 9400 systems at Terminal 3. We have worked closely with Morpho Detection to implement the best technology and solutions in the industry," said Prabhakararao Indana, CEO - Airport Development, DIAL.

For more information regarding Morpho Detection products, visit www.morphodetection.com.

About Morpho Detection, Inc.
Morpho Detection, Inc. – part of Morpho, a business of the Safran group (PAR: SAF) – is a leading supplier of explosives and narcotics and chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) detection systems for government, military, air and ground transportation, first responder, critical infrastructure and other high-risk organizations. Following Safran Group’s 2009 acquisition of GE Security’s GE Homeland Protection, Inc. business, Morpho Detection integrates computed tomography (CT), Raman Spectroscopy, trace (ITMS™ technology), X-ray and X-ray Diffraction technologies into solutions that can make security activities more accurate, productive and efficient. With industry-leading products such as the Itemiser® DX trace detection system, the CTX line of explosive detection systems (EDS), and the StreetLab® Mobile hand-held chemical and biological substance identification unit, Morpho Detection’s solutions are deployed to help protect people and property in some of the most important and sensitive world locations.

PRESS RELEASE

02.09.2010
Management appointments in the Safran group

Paris, 2 September 2010

The Safran group has made several senior management appointments, which took effect on September 1:

Alex Fain named Senior Vice President of Morpho
Alex Fain, 55, a graduate of the Ecole des Mines de Nancy engineering school (1974), held several positions at Renault SA, then Renault Véhicules Industriels, before joining the Snecma group in 1992. He was CFO and Corporate Secretary of Hispano-Suiza, then of Snecma Services in 1999, before being appointed Executive Vice President of Snecma Services in 2002. In 2006, he was named Vice President for Finance, Strategy and Improvement Actions, and Corporate Secretary of Snecma.

Jean-Yves Petit named Vice President, Finance of Sagem*
A graduate of the INSA engineering school in Lyon, Jean-Yves Petit, 52, worked at the Guiana Space Center, then joined Snecma in 1987 as head of the Ariane cryogenic engine testing department at SEP’s (Société Européenne de Propulsion) plant in Vernon. From 1992 to 1999 he held several management control positions at SEP and Messier-Bugatti. In 1999, he was named head of the accounting and management department at Snecma’s Space Engines division. He held this position until September 2007, when he joined Safran as Vice President Management Control and Planning.

Pierre Syx named Vice President, Finance, General Counsel & Secretary of Snecma
Pierre Syx, 53, graduated from the EDHEC business school in 1979. After holding administrative and financial positions at Unisys and ITT, he joined Sagem in 1985, where he held various management control positions in the Financial Affairs division. Pierre Syx was named Deputy Financial Director of the Sagem Communication branch in 2001, also taking charge of financial affairs for the broadband branch. In 2006, he was placed in charge of the Financial division at Aircelle, then was named Vice President, Administrative and Financial Affairs at the company in 2008.

Diego de Viaris named Vice President, Finance and Administration of Aircelle
Diego de Viaris, 55, graduated from the ESLSCA business school in 1978. He held several positions in an auditing firm, then joined Labinal as Vice President, Financial Services in 1988. He moved to Snecma in 2000 as Treasurer for the Group. He was then named Vice President, Financing and Treasury at Snecma in 2004, moving to the same position at Safran, before joining Sagem* as Vice President, Economic and Financial Affairs.

*Sagem is the commercial name of the company Sagem Défense Sécurité.

PRESS RELEASE

03.09.2010
Management appointments at Snecma (Safran group)

Courcouronnes, September 3, 2010.

Jacques Serre is named Senior Vice President, Systems Engineering at Snecma.
Jacques Serre, 54, graduated from the ENSAE aeronautical engineering school. He has spent his entire career with Snecma, starting in the design department in 1979, where he participated in the design and production engineering of a number of different engines, including the high-pressure turbine for the M88 and the low-pressure turbine for the CFM56. This work was recognized by the “youth prize” awarded by the French association of aeronautics and astronautics (AAAF). In 1991 he was placed in charge of the turbine and combustor department at Snecma’s engineering division. He was named head of the mechanics division in 1998, then chief engineer for the M88 program. In 2003 he was appointed head of engineering in Snecma’s Space Engines division, then deputy director of operations in 2005, and head of the operations division in 2007.

Martin Sion is named Director of Snecma’s Space Engines division.
Martin Sion, 42, graduated from the Ecole Centrale de Paris engineering school in 1990. He started his career that year with SEP (Société Européenne de Propulsion), where he held the positions of design engineer, combustion department manager, HM7 program manager, and head of the combustion component design department. In early 2005 he was named head of engineering for the Space Engines division, then head of improvement initiatives at Snecma in December 2006. In February 2009 he took over responsibility for the equipment and accessories center of industrial excellence at Snecma’s production division.

Pierre Syx is named Vice President, Economic and Financial Affairs and Corporate Secretary of Snecma.
Pierre Syx, 53, graduated from the EDHEC business school in 1979. After holding administrative and financial positions at Unisys and ITT, he joined Sagem in 1985, where he held various management control positions in the Financial Affairs division. Pierre Syx was named Deputy Financial Director of the Sagem Communication branch in 2001, also taking charge of financial affairs for the broadband branch. In 2006, he was placed in charge of the Financial division at Aircelle (Safran group), then was named Vice President, Administrative and Financial Affairs at the company in 2008.

PRESS RELEASE

06.09.2010
Morpho to help revamp Mauritania’s ID document system

Paris, September 6, 2010

Morpho (Safran group) has signed a contract with the Mauritanian Ministry of the Interior and Decentralization to implement a program for the production of secure national identification documents. This project is one of the key components in the country’s "National Digital Confidence Framework" program, and will foster even more effective management of Mauritania’s public records, while also bolstering security within the country and at its borders.

Morpho will guarantee the secure issuance of ID documents for both citizens and residents, including multi-application ID cards, polycarbonate data page passports, residence cards and driver licenses. For this, Morpho will use the latest version of its well-known multibiometric recognition system, combining fingerprint and facial recognition technologies.

This latest-generation program also incorporates “Mauritania Visit”, a border control system that will help manage passenger flows (issuance and control of biometric visas), as well as a fingerprint recognition system to support the fight against terrorism and criminality.

"It is a great honor for Morpho to support Mauritania’s advanced initiative to revamp its national ID document system," said Jean-Paul Jainsky, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Morpho. "This custom-tailored project also is an excellent reference for us at Morpho, since it involves one of the first totally integrated systems of this type, combining citizen identification, production of ID documents and secure border control."

Biometric registration operations will start on November 28, 2010, the 50th anniversary of Mauritania’s independence.

PRESS RELEASE

08.09.2010
Journées Européennes du Patrimoine au Musée Aéronautique & Spatial Safran 18 et 19 septembre 2010 (French only)

Villaroche, le 8 septembre 2010

Le Musée Aéronautique et Spatial Safran ouvrira ses portes les 18 et 19 septembre 2010, à l’occasion des Journées Européennes du Patrimoine.

Le thème de cette année « Les Grands Hommes : quand femmes et hommes construisent l’Histoire » sera décliné tout au long du circuit de visite du musée. Une frise chronologique illustrée présentera les personnalités ayant marqué l’histoire aéronautique.

Au programme cette année, la projection d’une vidéo 3D « Trains d’atterrissage d’hier et d’aujourd’hui » qui reviendra notamment sur l’histoire des trains d’atterrissage de 1876 à nos jours.

Le musée proposera aussi de nombreuses animations en collaboration avec différentes associations :

• Un simulateur de vol d’Airbus A320 (1) équipé du célèbre moteur CFM56 sera mis en place pour la première fois sur le site. Les visiteurs pourront s’initier au pilotage d’un avion de ligne depuis la préparation du vol jusqu’à l‘arrêt complet des moteurs. L‘AAMS (Association des Amis du Musée Safran) proposera également un mini simulateur destiné aux plus jeunes (à partir de 6 ans).
  
  (1) En partenariat avec GG Production « Le rêve n ‘a pas de limite »
  
  
• Un atelier fusées à eau ( 2), permettra aux participants (dès 8 ans) de comprendre de manière ludique les différentes étapes de la propulsion spatiale. Les fusées seront tirées depuis le parking du Musée (Altitude moyenne : 20m).
  
  (2) En partenariat avec « Planète Sciences » (CNES)
  
  
• Trois ateliers micro-fusées (3), permettront aux jeunes visiteurs (à partir de 12 ans) d’aller plus loin dans la connaissance des fusées. Ces ateliers leur permettront de construire et de tirer des micro-fusées propulsées par un moteur à poudre. Elles peuvent s’élever jusqu’à 100 mètres d’altitude.
  
  (3) En partenariat avec « Planète Sciences » (CNES)
  
  
• Un atelier localisation par satellite (4) sera proposé pour comprendre le fonctionnement du GPS (Global Positioning System). Les participants (dès 8 ans) apprendront les méthodes pour réussir à se localiser grâce à un jeu de piste.
  
  (4) En partenariat avec « Planète Sciences » (CNES)
  
  
• Un atelier animation mini hélicoptère (5) permettra une initiation au pilotage de ces engins électriques. Cet atelier fonctionnera en continu, par période de 10 à 15 min.
  
  (5) Proposée par l’AAMS (Association des Amis du Musée Safran)
  
  
• Pour les plus jeunes, 2 ateliers « L’expérimentation scientifique comme levier de lien social » (6) seront installés sur la mezzanine du musée.
  
  (6) En partenariat avec l’association « Fleurs de Sciences »
  
  
• Toutes les collections permanentes du musée seront bien sûr accessibles, avec notamment :
  
  
   L’automobile Messier 1925 (première voiture équipée d’une suspension oléopneumatique).
  
   La moto adaptée au gazogène (Gnome et Rhone D3 de 1929).
  
   Les visiteurs pourront aussi se faire photographier à bord de l’avion « Mirage III C » et de l‘hélicoptère « Alouette II »

PRESS RELEASE

14.09.2010
Safran Corporate University kicks off training program for purchasing staff

Grenoble, 14 September 2010

Safran Corporate University has started its training program for purchasing staff. The Safran group’s in-house university will offer 16 training sessions, partly designed and led by the Grenoble Ecole de Management, one of Europe’s leading business schools, and Cegos, a European leader in professional training. Through this new program, Safran seeks to provide a single set of training tools and a shared methodology for its 600 employees involved in the key area of purchasing.

As a complete training program intended for all purchasing staff in the Group, from beginners to experts, it will enable them to shape their own career and skills development path. It will also help Safran foster a common purchasing culture across the Group, to further enhance its organizational efficiency and overall performance in relation to suppliers.

“Through this new program, we aim to enhance the skills of all purchasing staff and enable them to meet upcoming challenges,” said Xavier Dessemond, head of purchasing at Safran. “In particular, we want to recognize and validate this profession by setting up personalized training itineraries and give our staff access to a recognized certificate or degree (Management Master’s in Purchasing, issued by the Grenoble Ecole de Management and Cegos). We also want to improve the operation of the purchasing network within our Group, for instance through pooled purchases, as well as by encouraging transfers to purchasing jobs.”

Gilbert Font, head of Safran Corporate University, added: “This approach clearly reflects one of the core objectives of our university, which is to help develop the professional skills of our employees. Recently created, the Safran Corporate University aims to promote a corporate culture and shared values based on Safran’ corporate identity. Its main objectives are to nurture leadership, develop specific skills, and ensure that the trainings provided match evolving needs.”

PRESS RELEASE

14.09.2010
Morpho Detection Handheld Trace Detection Technology Used by TSA Field Teams in New Orleans Pilot Program

Newark, Calif. – Sept. 14, 2010

Morpho Detection, Inc., part of Morpho, Safran group’s security business, today announced it has provided MobileTrace® and Hardened MobileTrace® systems in support of a recent Transportation Security Administration (TSA) pilot program that tested the application of mobile advanced explosives detection technology solutions. The field pilot took place at surface transportation sites in and around New Orleans, including a major interstate bus station, as well as ferry and cruise ship terminals at the Port of New Orleans.

The MobileTrace devices were selected for this pilot program because of their portability, ruggedness and track record of success in extreme environmental conditions. Proven with deployed military units and at border crossings, airports and other critical security checkpoints around the world, MobileTrace is a product designed to meet the unique and demanding requirements of detection teams in the field. Designed to be lightweight yet durable, and with batteries that can last up to eight hours, MobileTrace handhelds provide threat detection results in about eight seconds.

“Morpho Detection is pleased to support TSA with our highly portable MobileTrace systems,” said Dennis Cooke, President and CEO, Morpho Detection, Inc. “MobileTrace, already proven in a variety of challenging field environments, is well suited to helping protect a range of transit venues. The versatility, rapid analysis time and portability of MobileTrace all combine to make it a potentially important resource for protecting our nation’s ports, borders and transportation systems.”

For more information regarding Morpho Detection’s MobileTrace or other Morpho Detection products, please visit www.morphodetection.com.

PRESS RELEASE

15.09.2010
Sagem and Elbit Systems to Establish a Joint Venture for Tactical UAS

Paris, September 15th, 2010

Sagem Defense Securite, Safran group (Safran – NYSE Euronext : SAF) and Elbit Systems Ltd. (Nasdaq and TASE: ESLT) announced the signature of a MoA (Memorandum of Agreement) regarding the intended establishment, by early 2011, of an equally owned joint venture for the tactical unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) market for France and designated international markets, in which existing initiatives will continue through the JV.

The intended joint venture will be a French corporation, located in Eragny and Montluçon (France). It will be formed by the equal contributions of assets from the two parent companies.

The new company’s portfolio will comprise newly developed products, as well as current and derivative products, from Sagem and Elbit Systems.

The new company will be able to offer a wide range of products for the tactical UAS market.

PRESS RELEASE

16.09.2010
Fifth Safran Sailing Challenge, September 17 to 19 at Lorient

Lorient, 16 September 2010

The Safran group is organizing its fifth Sailing Challenge from September 17 to 19, 2010 at Lorient, in Brittany. Once again, this in-house event is set to be a major success, with 93 boats and 650 people from 23 Group companies (37 facilities, including four from outside France) ready to weigh anchor from the Lorient BSM harbor.

The Sailing Challenge in fact combines a race and a rally: it includes three days of sailboat races (regattas open to all, from beginners to seasoned sailors), and various games (a quiz on maritime activities and the region, puzzles, a photo competition, etc.). The Sailing Challenge is designed to promote Safran’s corporate culture, and allow participants to get to know each other in a friendly atmosphere, united by their common passion for sailing.

“Safran continues to support the Sailing Challenge as a major in-house initiative that helps unite our employees around core values, such as teamwork and sharing,” said Gérard Le Page, President and CEO of SafranSixty, the company in charge of Safran’s boat sponsorship initiative. “We aim to nurture greater unity between Group companies in France and abroad, in a friendly atmosphere combining competition and fun.”

The Sailing Challenge also allows Safran to present the Group’s boat sponsorship project to the crews taking part. Marc Guillemot, skipper of the Safran Open 60 ocean racer, will be in Lorient on September 18 to support the Sailing Challenge and present the 60-foot IMOCA class racing yacht.

The 2010 Sailing Challenge will culminate on September 19 with the award of the Safran Trophy, presented to the overall winner of the race every year.

PRESS RELEASE

17.09.2010
Safran inaugurates Messier-Dowty’s George Messier plant in Bidos

Bidos, France, September 17, 2010

Yves Leclère, Safran group Executive vice president, Aircraft Equipment branch, inaugurated today Messier-Dowty’s new assembly facility in Bidos, France. Alain Rousset, President of the Aquitaine regional council, Jean Castaings, President of the Pyrénées-Atlantiques general council and Pascal Sénéchal, Chairman and CEO of Messier-Dowty also officiated the ceremony.

A site revitalization plan in response to market evolutions The construction of this assembly facility marks the culmination of a €40 million modernisation plan launched to revitalize the Bidos site in response to market evolutions.

The objectives of “Bidos 2008-2010” are three-fold:

• Develop the technical means and processes to ensure a successful ramp-up for new programs (787, A350 XWB, A400M, etc.),
• Maintain competitiveness of French sites through an increase in skill levels
• Implement environmentally-responsible and sustainable industrial processes

Within the framework of this modernization plan, Messier-Dowty (Bidos) has undertaken major projects such as the creation of a fully automated, state-of-the-art heat treatment unit, a completely revamped production line for landing gear sliders and the construction of an effluent treatment plant. The latest addition to this project includes the assembly facility inaugurated today, named after George Messier, pioneer of the French landing gear industry and co-founder of the original Messier company.

Spanning some 8 000m², the new facility now houses the site’s entire assembly operations and supply chain activities. A co-located working environment and extensive production capacity (greater than 2000 landing gears per year) have greatly enhanced the facility’s capacity to service customers.

During his speech, Yves Leclère stated, “Inaugurating a new plant such as this one is always a privileged experience. This investment reflects the vitality of our Group and confidence placed in the future of Safran and Messier-Dowty. It also illustrates our commitment to maintaining and strengthening employment in France, in particular in the Aquitaine region, as well as continuing to invest in innovation in the years to come.”

Exemplary local support Messier-Dowty also received substantial local and regional support during the project. The towns of Oloron-Sainte-Marie and Bidos, the Communauté de Communes du Piémont Oloronais, the Pyrénées-Atlantiques General Council, the Aquitaine Regional Council, l’Agence de l’Eau Adour Garonne together with the Pyrénées-Atlantiques prefecture played a critical role in facilitating the project.

PRESS RELEASE

20.09.2010
Safran enters into a definitive agreement with L-1 Identity Solutions for the purchase of L-1 biometrics and ID management solutions businesses

Paris, France, September 20 2010 - Safran (NYSE Euronext Paris: SAF) announced today that it has entered into a definitive agreement with L-1 Identity Solutions (NYSE: ID), a leading identity management provider in the United States, for Safran to acquire the operating and holding company of L-1 and its biometric and enterprise access solutions, secure credentialing solutions and enrollment services businesses, for a total cash amount of USD 1.09 billion. These businesses had 2009 revenue of USD 436 million and recorded a backlog of USD 1.1 billion at end of 2009. The transaction would create an industry-leading provider of solutions for the fast-growing high-tech homeland security market and generate strong growth in revenue and earnings, while yielding significant operating synergies.

Prior to this agreement and as a condition to the transaction, L-1 entered into a definitive agreement to sell its government consulting services business for USD 295 million to a third party, and therefore this business would be excluded from the transaction with Safran.

Overview of the transaction
Under the terms of the agreement with L-1, Safran would acquire 100 % of L-1’s shares, with the following characteristics:

• L-1 shareholders would receive USD 12.00 per L-1 share in cash, an implied premium of 31.2 % over L-1’s 30-day average closing price of USD 9.14 for the period ending on September 17 2010;
• The estimated Enterprise Value of the business acquired by Safran is USD 1.19 billion, taking into account L-1’s estimated net debt at closing of approximately USD 100 million which includes the cash proceeds from the prior sale of the government consulting services business;
• The run-rate operating cost synergies are expected to represent approximately USD 30 million, which would be fully realized within 18 months from the closing of the transaction;
• The transaction, thanks to operating synergies, is expected to be accretive to Safran’s earnings from year one, excluding non cash and one-off items and purchase accounting adjustments (PPA);
• Safran intends to fully finance the acquisition with existing cash on hand; and
• The boards of directors of both L-1 and Safran have unanimously approved the transaction.

Creates an industry-leading provider of solutions for hightech homeland security
Following the closing, Safran intends to operate L-1 as part of its existing security business, Morpho, in accordance with US national security regulation, to create an industry-leading provider of solutions for high tech homeland security. Benefits would include:

• A highly complementary combination of security technology and products that would offer enhanced ID solutions with best-of-class products in all their offerings;
• A combination of the best ID management solutions and detection of illicit and dangerous materials providing an offer of the highest standards for travel security;
• A broad geographical fit with balanced operations in around 40 countries and approximately Euro 1.35 billion in 2009 pro-forma1 revenue (comprised of USD 436 million from L-1’s businesses);
• A combination of outstanding teams, that would share a strategic vision and be positioned to address the high growth and attractive potential of global biometric and identity management requirements; and
• A combination of deep experience from both firms in serving in the United States and elsewhere, with the highest standards of quality, high profile public and governmental customers.

Commitment to U.S. stakeholders
With more than 4,000 employees working at 40 locations across 18 states, Safran’s sales to U.S. customers represented approximately Euro 2.5 billion in 2009 revenue. It should be noted that CFM International, founded in 1974, is a company equally-owned by Safran and GE and the most successful venture in the history of civil aviation. The two companies agreed in 2008 to extend their cooperation until 2040. Safran is a long standing and trusted partner, having served for decades a large spectrum of key contributors to the U.S. economy such as Boeing, Lockheed Martin, as well as eight out of the ten largest U.S. airlines and notable U.S. government agencies, including the U.S. Armed Forces (the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard), the FBI, a significant number of law enforcement organizations and entities in U.S. cities and states, and the U.S. Transportation Security Administration - among others. L-1 would benefit from Safran’s technology, extended geographical reach, financial and management capabilities to further assist the company in accelerating the growth of its strong business in the United States and expansion in global key territories.

This transaction builds on Safran’s previous successful transactions in 2009 in this sector in the United States: the acquisitions of Motorola’s Printrak biometrics business (merged with Morpho US biometrics activities to become MorphoTrak) and of GE’s Homeland Protection unit1 (rebranded Morpho Detection). The combined activities of Morpho and L-1 would have generated 2009 pro forma sales to U.S. customers of more than USD 700 million with around 2,200 employees in the United States.

Following this transaction, Safran would continue to strengthen the combined R&D teams. In doing so, the companies expect to build the next generation of excellence in biometrics and ID management and enhance the combined group’s competitiveness in all territories, for the benefit of customers.

Jean-Paul Herteman, Chief Executive Officer of Safran, said: “ I have a deep respect for L-1’s business and its contribution to the security industry. We are all highly impressed with the quality and expertise of L-1’s teams throughout the United States and we are looking forward to working with them to bring L-1 and Morpho together. This will allow us to grow L-1’s business, while expanding the reach of L-1’s services to other key territories around the world. With this acquisition, Safran’s pro forma 2011 revenues from its security business, focused on detection, biometrics and identity management is likely to exceed 15% of the Safran’s global revenue. The expected organic growth of these activities should enable the group to reach its 20% revenue target for its security business swiftly. Furthermore, this constitutes a significant step in the implementation of Safran’s clearly defined strategy to be a leader in the field of mission critical high tech tier one players in the group’s three businesses: Aerospace, Defence and Security. ”

“I am extremely proud of L-1’s accomplishments and the role we have played in the development of multi-modal biometric technologies and in helping establish the identity management market over the last four years," said Robert V. LaPenta, Chairman, President and CEO of L-1 Identity Solutions. “Safran will provide a strong global reach and a more comprehensive portfolio of solutions and services in order to leverage the industry’s best set of collective experience and solutions, all to the benefit of our customers and partners worldwide. Safran’s commitment to furthering the standards of quality and excellence in engineering innovation will ensure that we can continue to lead the market in developing superior identity management solutions."

The transaction is subject to L-1’ shareholder and regulatory approvals, including review by the U.S. Antitrust Authorities, the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), as well as the satisfaction of other customary closing conditions.

PRESS RELEASE

23.09.2010
Turbomeca and the Civil Security Helicopter Group are celebrating the 200,000 flight hours of the Arriel 1E2

Bordes, September 23 2010

The Turbomeca (Safran group) Arriel 1E2 turbo-shaft engine has logged 200,000 flight hours on the Civil Security’s EC 145 twin-engine helicopters. The turbo-shaft engine’s good behavior had contributed to the success of the rescue missions performed by the rescuers.

The first of the 34 EC 145 helicopters arrived at the Civil Security Helicopter Group on April 22nd, 2002. Eight years later, the 200,000 flight hours logged by the Arriel 1E2 of the Civil Security.

The Arriel 1E2 at the service of rescuers

With more than 13,000 flight hours per year, the EC 145 saves on average more than 10,000 people each year.

200,000 flight hours mark is significant, as the success of the missions of the Civil Security is closely linked to the reliability of the Arriel engine in order to meet the availability requirements, which remains a daily challenge for all the personnel of the Group.

The 28 Arriel engine versions power modern and successful light and medium, single and twin-engine helicopters. Amongst them: the Eurocopter Ecureuil, Dauphin, EC130, EC145 and EC155, the Sikorsky S-76 and the Agusta A109 K2, as well as the AVIC Z9. World leader in its category, the Arriel has proven its reliability in a wide variety of demanding missions, including EMS, corporate, utility and offshore operations. More than 9,000 Arriel engines have been manufactured by Turbomeca, totaling over 30 millon flight hours.

The Civil Security Helicopter Group has 22 helicopter bases in mainland France and its overseas territories. It has a fleet of 38 helicopters (34 twin-engine EC 145s, 3 Ecureuil B2s, 1 Ecureuil B); 225 pilots and flight engineers; 55 ground engineers; which ensure rescue and aid missions. Over its 53 years of activity, the civil security helicopter group has logged more than 250,000 rescue missions and rescued 230,000 people.

****

About Turbomeca Turbomeca (Safran group) is the leading helicopter engine manufacturer, and has produced over 68 000 turbines based on its own designs since the company was founded. Dedicated to 2,350 customers in 155 countries, Turbomeca provides a proximity service thanks to its 16 sites, 26 Maintenance Centers, 24 Repair & Overhaul Centers and 90 Field representatives and Field technicians. Microturbo, the subsidiary of Turbomeca, is the European leader in turbojet engines for missiles, drones and auxiliary power units.

PRESS RELEASE

27.09.2010
Snecma delivers fourth PPS®1350 plasma thruster for Alphabus platform

Courcouronnes, September 27, 2010.

On September 6, Snecma delivered the last of a batch of four PPS® 1350 stationary plasma thrusters to Thales Alenia Space. These electric thrusters will be used on the first Alphabus platform within the scope of the Alphasat program jointly developed by the European Space Agency (ESA) and French space agency CNES.

The main objective of the Alphasat program is to perform the first flight and in-orbit validation of the Alphabus platform, now being developed with the European space industry. The first satellite based on this platform will be ready for launch in 2012.

"We are particularly proud of our contribution to the development of the new Alphabus platform," said Martin Sion, Vice president of the Space Engines division at Snecma. "Our PPS® 1350 propulsion system will offer a considerable advantage in terms of weight savings and fuel consumption for ESA’s Alphasat program."

The PPS® 1350 and satellite propulsion operations are developed and produced at Snecma’s Vernon plant in Normandy, with financial support from the region. These thrusters provide North-South stationkeeping on the Alphabus platform.

The PPS® 1350 develops 8 grams of thrust and takes 1,500 watts of electrical power. Based on Hall effect plasma propulsion, this technology offers greater operational flexibility and considerable savings in weight and fuel consumption, compared with conventional chemical propulsion systems. More specifically, thanks to its extremely low fuel consumption, it can decrease spacecraft weight at launch by up to 25%.

PRESS RELEASE

30.09.2010
Management appointments in the Safran group

Paris, September 30, 2010

The Safran group has made several management appointments, taking effect October 1, 2010.

Paul Blue has been named Safran National Executive for USA, and Chairman and CEO of Safran USA. He joins the Group’s International Development department, and will report to Emeric d’Arcimoles, Executive Vice President, International Development. Mr. Blue replaces Joseph Bogosian, who is moving to another position within the Group.

Cédric Goubet joins Safran as Deputy to the Executive Vice President, Aerospace Propulsion branch, reporting to Marc Ventre. He replaces Benoit Gosset, who is moving to another position within the Group.

Yves Charvin has been named Vice President, Legal Affairs at Morpho, the Safran company that consolidates the Group’s security business.

PRESS RELEASE

01.10.2010
Planned agreement between Safran and SNPE for the acquisition of SNPE Matériaux Energétiques

Paris, October 1, 2010

Safran (NYSE Euronext Paris: SAF) has announced its intention of setting up a commercial and industrial collaboration framework agreement with SNPE to strengthen the solid propulsion industry, a key to the long-term viability of European launch vehicles and missiles. The project calls for the acquisition by Safran of SNPE Matériaux Energétiques (SME) and its subsidiaries, including a 50% stake in Roxel, and a 40% stake in Regulus, but not including Eurenco. In 2009, these businesses generated sales (non-audited) of 270 million euros.

The businesses to be acquired by Safran represent a total enterprise value of 296 million euros, for an estimated revenue multiple in 2011 of approximately 1x, and an EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) multiple of about 6x, excluding subsequent operational synergies.

After completion of discussions between the two groups, and following consultation procedures with employee representative bodies, the transaction could be finalized during the first half of 2011, pending regulatory authorizations based on a favorable recommendation by the French Commission des Participations et des Transferts (CPT).

Creating a world leader in solid propulsion Safran, via its subsidiary Snecma Propulsion Solide (SPS), is the European leader in the design and construction of solid rocket motors (SRM). SNPE, through its subsidiary SME, is the European leader in energetic materials for propulsion. This project is designed to create a world leader in solid propulsion, based on a simplified industrial model.

The combined solid propulsion business consolidated within Safran would represent nearly 3,000 employees, a Research & Development unit with over 600 scientists and engineers, and annual revenues estimated at more than 650 million euros in 2011.

Safran will finance this transaction using available cash. It will have an accretive effect on the Group’s results right from the first year, before the accounting entries concerning the purchase price allocation (PPA). SNPE will give Safran a specific guarantee concerning environmental liabilities due to past operations.

Jean-Paul Herteman, CEO of Safran, said: “I am particularly pleased to announce this project between Safran and SNPE. It should enable us to create a new center of excellence in our Group, one that will have a very positive technological impact on our other businesses, especially concerning solid propulsion and composite materials. We will do everything in our power to ensure that the people in the companies joining the Safran group will be integrated as harmoniously as possible.”

PRESS RELEASE

05.10.2010
Aircelle’s NAIAD nacelle demonstrator is delivered for testing

Le Havre, France, October 5, 2010

Aircelle, has delivered to Snecma, both companies of Safran group, an advanced jet engine nacelle demonstrator to evaluate new technologies that could provide future enhancements in aircraft operating efficiency, along with lower noise levels, reductions in weight, and improved maintenance.

This nacelle – developed in cooperation with Snecma – is part of Aircelle’s NAIAD (Nacelle Innovative and Acoustic Demonstrator) program, which was launched by the company in 2007. NAIAD’s features include an all-composite laminar flow air inlet, advanced acoustic treatment on interior surfaces, and nacelle components produced with new manufacturing processes such as thermoplastic forming.

Aircelle delivered the full-scale NAIAD inlet in September to Snecma’s facility in Villaroche where, later this year, the demonstrator will be tested. Follow-on outdoor testing is planned during 2011 at GE’s Peebles, Ohio facility in the United States – continuing a long-running cooperation between Safran and GE in the jet engine and nacelle system sector.

“NAIAD is one of the largest research and technology programs currently underway at Aircelle, and it builds on the company’s leading-edge experience that already has resulted in the introduction of all-electric thrust reversers and the use of highly effective acoustic treatment for jet engines nacelle systems that are in worldwide service today,” said Eric Masse, the Vice President – Engineering at Aircelle.

Testing of the NAIAD nacelle at Villaroche and Peebles will be made with the MASCOT engine, which is a full-scale demonstrator for the LEAP-X powerplant under development by CFM International – the joint venture of Snecma and GE.

The NAIAD program is part of Aircelle’s large-scale technology roadmap focusing on engine nacelle advances that include the use of electric anti-ice, a greater application of composite structures, and improvements in manufacturing processes.

***

About Aircelle (www.aircelle.com)
Aircelle is one of the leading players in the worldwide nacelle market for aircraft engines. A subsidiary of the Safran group, it employs nearly 3,000 people on seven sites in France, the United Kingdom and Morocco.
Aircelle is the only nacelle manufacturer in the world present on all the market segments, from regional and business aircraft to the largest airliners, including the Airbus A380. Aircelle also is developing the worldwide customer support and service activity for nacelles and their components.
CFM, CFM56 and the CFM logo are all trademarks of CFM International a 50/50 joint company of Snecma (Safran group) and GE.

PRESS RELEASE

06.10.2010
Norwegian Air Shuttle receives its first 737-800 equipped with EASA-certified Messier-Bugatti carbon brakes

Paris, France, 6 October 2010

Norwegian Air Shuttle received its first two Boeing Next Generation 737-800s equipped with Messier-Bugatti carbon brakes, recently certified by the European Aviation Safety Agency. This is the first of 42 new airplanes to be delivered and 24 additional retrofits.

Norwegian Air Shuttle Technical Director Bjorn Ivar Aarseth declared, "Our selection of Messier-Bugatti carbon brakes is a cost-effective and environmentally-sound braking choice for our 737 fleet. The substantial weight savings versus steel brakes directly translates into reduced fuel consumption, C02 emissions and more efficient operations."

Alain Sauret, Chairman & CEO of Messier-Bugatti, added, "We are very pleased that Norwegian Air Shuttle has placed its confidence in our carbon brakes for its New Generation 737 fleet. In addition to this valuable launch customer, EASA certification opens the gate to deliveries to our other European customers. We look forward to expanding that base with proven, environmentally-responsible products that reduce airline operating costs."

Messier-Bugatti carbon brakes weigh 700 pounds (320 kgs) less than high capacity steel brakes for Next-Generation 737-700, -800 and 900ER (extended range) airplanes, and 550 pounds (250kgs) less than standard capacity steel brakes for Next-Generation 737-600s and -700s. In addition, carbon brakes ensure increased endurance, extending the brake life to more than 2,000 landings between overhauls.

Messier-Bugatti also offers a single brake model for the entire Next Generation 737 family, facilitating airline maintenance and reducing inventory costs.

Messier-Bugatti is the world leader in this segment, holding 46% of the carbon brake market for commercial jets over 100 seats. To date, Messier-Bugatti has received carbon brake orders for a total of 233 new Boeing Next Generation 737 airplanes and 95 retrofits.

Messier-Bugatti is the first braking supplier to earn this certification for its Next Generation 737 carbon brakes in North America and Europe. The EASA certification follows FAA certification obtained in July 2008.

PRESS RELEASE

23.11.2010
MorphoTop™ - Morpho’s 10 fingerprint image capture terminal receives UIDAI certification

New Delhi, November 23, 2010

Morpho (Safran group) today announced that MorphoTop™, its 10 fingerprint image capture terminal, has been officially certified by UIDAI*, the body in charge of India’s Aadhaar project. This certification means that the terminal is now compliant for capturing fingerprints for enrollment and verification purposes under the world’s largest biometric project.

MorphoTop™ is based on proven and reliable technology already deployed worldwide for various major government projects such as the biometric passport in France and enrollment in Latin America. It provides reliable fingerprint scanning in less than two seconds and FBI-certified high-definition (HD) images.

"We are proud to have achieved UIDAI certification for MorphoTop™, an innovative product in our line of fingerprint scanners," said Jean-Paul Jainsky, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Morpho. "This certification makes us the provider of hardware and solutions throughout the entire biometrics process."

Designed to meet the specific needs of governments, MorphoTop™ guarantees high standards of interoperability and uncompromising quality.


*UIDAI: Unique Identification Authority of India

PRESS RELEASE

14.10.2010
Safran partners the 2010 Women’s Forum

Paris, 14 October 2010

The Safran group is a Silver Partner in the 6th Women’s Forum for the Economy & Society, taking place from October 14 to 16 in Deauville, France. During this three-day forum, about 20 Group employees will take part in the discussions and conferences that address the major current and future issues facing society and the role of women.

Safran considers diversity a source of wealth and a key performance factor. It promotes diversity in recruiting new staff, and in particular encourages women’s access to management positions. The Group naturally renewed its partnership with the Women’s Forum, a unique platform to foster the emergence of new values for progress.

Safran at the Women’s Forum:

 October 14, 4:45 pm: James Bond room

Brainstorming: " "Sustainable innovation: a success and risk factor""

Ghislaine Doukhan, General Manager large commercial engine programs at Snecma, will participate in the brainstorming session on sustainable innovation on behalf of Safran.

 October 15, 1:30 pm: Safran Corner
Conference: "Adventures and Technologies"

Discussions on modern adventure and high technology between Marc Guillemot, skipper of the Safran ocean racing boat, IMOCA world champion for 2009, and Alain Souchier, space and propulsion consultant at Safran.

In the Safran Corner, you will see how the high-tech group Safran and Marc Guillemot are driven by the same passion: an insatiable curiosity that pushes them to explore the unknown, and always seek out new challenges.

Everybody at Safran will share their passion for adventure and technology with the participants in the Women’s Forum.

PRESS RELEASE

19.10.2010
Sagem named prime contractor for RIF-NG new-generation soldier information network

Paris, October 19, 2010

On September 22, French defense procurement agency DGA awarded Sagem (Safran group) an initial conditional tranche worth more than 25 million euros as prime contractor for the RIF-NG, the radio communications and information system for warfighters using the FELIN (1) equipment suite.

The RIF-NG (Réseau d’Information du Fantassin de Nouvelle Génération) new-generation soldier information network is being developed to take account of the planned allocation of the 800 MHz bandwidth used by the RIF, the information network now used by FELIN-equipped units, to civilian 4G (very high speed) mobile networks.

Compared to the current RIF system, the RIF-NG will provide new services in addition to the phone and data functions that are already available, including radio relay, encryption and transmission protection.

The RIF-NG system will be available in three configurations: individual radio, tactical remote relay unit, and vehicle relay unit. Deployed by each soldier and integrated in armored infantry vehicles, the RIF-NG is designed to ensure continuous communications between soldiers and with vehicles, for both mounted and dismounted operations.

Delivered starting in 2013, the RIF-NG will outfit troops and vehicles in all French army infantry units. The first infantry units already equipped with the FELIN system will have their individual RIF radios upgraded to the RIF-NG standard.

The RIF-NG system offers new collaborative functions and enhanced operational efficiency at platoon level, and enables vehicles to contribute to the overall effectiveness of FELIN.

An essential part of the French army’s digital battlefield initiative, the RIF-NG program is worth a total of 87 million euros.

(1) - FELIN (Fantassin à Equipements et Liaisons Intégrés) is an integrated, modular system that enhances the protection and capabilities of dismounted soldiers. It is developed and produced by Sagem as prime contractor. A total of 22,588 have been ordered to date, and the 1st Infantry regiment was equipped with FELIN in October 2010.

PRESS RELEASE

20.10.2010
Morpho wins Security Innovation Award

Paris, October 20, 2010

Morpho (Safran group) has won a Security Innovation Award* for its MorphoSmart™ FINGER VP, the world’s first ever multimodal finger vein and fingerprint device. Presented on 4th October at Security Essen 2010 in Germany, the award honors companies whose products and technologies demonstrate innovation, user benefits, economic viability and reliability.

This innovative solution combines Hitachi’s vein imaging technology to detect the pattern of blood vessels under the skin and Morpho’s fingerprint identification technology. It is the only multimodal device capable of capturing and processing together two sets of complementary biometric data for authentication or identification. MorphoSmart™ FINGER VP enables unrivalled levels of security, accuracy and performance; it can be used as a standalone solution or for integration into a vast range of end-user devices (access control terminals, ATM, mobile devices for identity checks and secure payments).

"We are honored to receive this Security Innovation Award recognizing our commitment to the development of cutting-edge solutions," said Jean-Paul Jainsky, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Morpho. "The award confirms our innovative approach to the development of new biometrics applications."

MorphoSmart™ FINGER VP will be presented at Biometrics 2010 in London, UK, from October 20th to 21st (stand 406).


* 91 applications were submitted and Morpho received an award in the "Technology and Products" category. For more information on the award visit: www.security-messe.de

PRESS RELEASE

20.10.2010
Nexcelle is selected to provide the nacelle system for the new GE TechX engine on the *Bombardier Global 7000 and 8000 business jet aircraft

Cincinnati, Ohio, October 18, 2010

Nexcelle will provide the nacelle and thrust reverser for GE’s TechX integrated powerplant that has been selected to power the new Bombardier Global 7000 and 8000 business jet aircraft, marking the second major program win for this international joint venture company.

The nacelle system will benefit from Nexcelle’s pioneering approach to integrated propulsion systems, and will incorporate innovative technologies from its two parent companies: the Safran Group’s Aircelle, and GE’s Middle River Aircraft Systems (MRAS).

Nexcelle’s win for this new GE engine program follows the company’s 2009 selection to provide the nacelle and thrust reverser for CFM International’s LEAP-X1C engine, which is to power the COMAC C919 jetliner.

"This decision further underscores the value of Nexcelle’s approach to integrated propulsion systems, and also underscores the advantages of our technology roadmap for a full range of jet engine applications," said Nexcelle President Steve Walters. "With our wins in both the business aviation sector and the single-aisle 150-seat jetliner category, Nexcelle is ready to pursue other nacelle business opportunities."

Features of the nacelle for the new GE TechX engine include a one-piece extended aluminum inlet lip-outer barrel for reduced aerodynamic drag; an innovative anti-ice system that uses a directed flow nozzle concept; a 360-degree, single-piece extended composite inner barrel incorporating advanced acoustic protection for lower engine noise levels; a simplified composite fan cowl that allows for improved maintenance and reduces system weight; and a target style thrust reverser with fixed nozzle to provide lower weight and reverse thrust efficiency. Studies to incorporate additional technologies will continue through the joint development phase of the aircraft program.

Established in 2008, Nexcelle brings together the expertise of its MRAS and Aircelle parent companies in engine nacelle design, systems integration, certification, manufacturing and after-market product support. By working side-by-side with its related engine manufacturers – GE for TechX, and the CFM International joint venture of GE and Safran for LEAP-X – Nexcelle contributes to an integrated propulsion system approach that provides better aerodynamic performance and lower weight, higher in-service reliability and better maintainability.

*Bombardier and Global 7000 and 8000 are trademarks of Bombardier Inc.

PRESS RELEASE

22.10.2010
Safran reports solid third-quarter 2010 revenue growth.

Full-year 2010 outlook confirmed

All revenue figures in this press release represent Adjusted[1] revenue. Please refer to definitions contained in the Notes on page 7 of this press release. 1

Key numbers for third quarter 2010

• Third quarter 2010 adjusted revenue was Euro 2,593 million, up 8.8% on a reported basis, up 0.5% on an organic basis, compared to third-quarter 2009.
• 2-digit revenue contribution from Equipment (Landing systems), Defence (Optronics) and Security.
• The Aerospace Propulsion services slightly grew with share of revenue up from 52.5% to 53.5%. It mainly resulted from a slight uplift in CFM56 aftermarket and continued good performance in military, helicopter and high-thrust engines services. Services in Aircraft Equipment were flat but share in revenue decreased from 33.2% to 29.0% of revenue as a result of strong growth in Original Equipment.
• Outlook for full-year 2010 is confirmed.

Key numbers for nine-month 2010

• Nine-month 2010 adjusted revenue was Euro 7,790 million, up 3.4% on a reported basis, down 1.4% on an organic basis, compared to nine-month 2009.

Key business highlights for third quarter 2010

• Acquisitions: Safran entered into a definitive agreement with L-1 Identity Solutions, a leading identity management provider in the U.S., for Safran to acquire the operating and holding company of L-1 which include its biometric and enterprise access solutions, secure credentialing solutions and enrollment services businesses, for a total cash amount of USD1.09 billion. Labinal entered into an agreement to acquire Harvard Custom Manufacturing for USD135 million. Located in Salisbury, Maryland, HCM produces electrical wiring systems for industry leaders in the commercial and military aerospace industry. Safran announced an agreement to acquire SNPE’s subsidiary Matériaux Energétiques (SME) and its subsidiaries, for Euro 296 million.
• Safran inaugurated a new assembly plant in Bidos, France, to ensure a successful ramp-up for new landing gear programs (B787, A350 XWB, A400M).
• Defence: Safran and Elbit Systems established a JV for tactical unmanned aircraft systems.
• Security: Morpho and Mahindra Satyam selected as one the three key partners for the initial phase of a program set to deliver India’s next generation Unique Identification Number Program to 200 million residents.
  
  
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  Paris, October 22, 2010 - Safran (NYSE Euronext Paris: SAF) today reported its revenue for the third quarter of 2010.

Executive commentary

JCEO Jean-Paul Herteman commented:

“Safran recorded a solid performance during the third-quarter 2010, highlighting strong double-digit growth in 3 out of its 4 main businesses. We saw encouraging signs in CFM56 aftermarket with revenue in CFM56 spares up 16% sequentially, giving us confidence that the low point might be behind us. Aircraft Equipment delivered a good performance, notably thanks to the landing systems on the B787 programme.

Based on the performance for the first nine months of the year and current positive trends in our markets, we confirm our full-year guidance for 2010 and our renewed confidence in our outlook for 2011 and beyond. ”

Third-Quarter 2010 revenue

Solid growing revenue. For the third quarter 2010, Safran’s revenue was EUR 2,593 million, compared to a EUR 2,384 million in the same period a year ago, a 8.8% year-on-year increase. Group revenue slightly increased by 0.5% organically.

Third-quarter 2010 revenue increased by Euro 209 million on a reported basis, highlighting growth of 14.5% in Aircraft Equipment (primarily landing systems), 29.6% in the Defence business (notably in optronics) and 35.4% in Security (across all businesses). It also resulted from a mild decline in Aerospace Propulsion revenue, with a lower original equipment revenue while services revenue slightly improved.

On an organic basis, third-quarter 2010 revenue increased by Euro 12 million. Organic revenue was determined by deducting from 2010 figures the contribution of Security activities acquired in 2009 when compared to 2009 scope of consolidation and the contribution of activities newly consolidated in 2010 and by applying constant exchange rates. Hence, the following calculations were applied:

The favourable currency impact in revenue of Euro 112 million for third quarter 2010 reflected a global positive translation effect on the revenue exposed to foreign currencies, notably in USD, Australian dollar and Brazilian real. The Group’s average spot rate was USD1.29 to the Euro in third-quarter 2010 vs. USD1.43 in the year ago period.

Business commentary

Aerospace Propulsion

OEM CFM56 engine deliveries at 294 units in third-quarter 2010 were down by 27 units as a consequence of delays from a flood incident in a factory in Poland. This impact should be mitigated during the fourth quarter of 2010. After a successful Farnborough air show, total 2010 CFM56 orders now stand at 1,293 engines, representing more than one time the current annual production.

On a third-quarter 2010 basis, service revenue share was slightly up at 53.5% of Aerospace Propulsion revenue, benefiting from a good contribution from aftermarket in military and helicopter engines, as well as from recent high-thrust civil engines. The worldwide CFM International spare parts revenue was down 16% in USD terms compared to third-quarter 2009, but up 16% compared to second-quarter 2010. CFM aftermarket remained soft highlighting continued volatile airlines spending in maintenance. The estimated* total number of shop visits for CFM-equipped civil aircraft decreased to 535 as compared to 586 in third-quarter 2009. (*) shop visit numbers are estimates; these can be revised marginally in the future as airlines finalise reports

These figures exclude any impact from the acquisition of SME which is expected to close during first-half 2011.

Aircraft Equipment

Strong revenue evolution was primarily attributable to strong activity in landing and wiring systems, notably for the B787 programme. This performance was also achieved thanks to a stabilization of the business and regional jet segments where small nacelle deliveries were almost flat. However, the nacelle activity recorded lower deliveries of A380 nacelles (17 units compared to 23 nacelles in the year-ago period) due to aircraft delivery slippages. Other large nacelle business (A330 and A320) had a good contribution to revenue. Revenue growth also benefited from a favourable currency impact from USD.

On a third-quarter 2010 basis, service revenue was flat with solid activity in landing and braking systems but its share decreased from 33.2% to 29.0% of Aerospace Equipment revenue.

Defence

Security

These figures exclude any impact from the acquisition of L-1 Identity Solutions which is expected to close during first-half 2011.

Currency hedges

The Group has put in place currency hedges for the next 3 years. At October 15, 2010, the firm hedging portfolio amounted to USD12.6 billion. The Group continued to optimize its hedging portfolio: 2010 and 2011 net exposures have been revised downwards to reflect Safran’s improved USD cost base.

(*) For 2012, USD3.1 billion was achieved at a hedge rate of USD1.34 to the Euro, this position is expected to rise to USD4.5 billion as long as the Euro/USD rate remains below USD1.65 for the balance of 2010 and most of 2011.

Equity structure

A regulatory filing was made by Areva which significantly reduced its stake from 7.4% to 2.0%. As a result, and combined with a reduction in the Employees share, the free float has increased to 46.7% at October 12, 2010 from 38.1% at December 31, 2009.

Upcoming events

• FY 2010 results : February 24, 2011
• Q1 2011 revenue : April 22, 2011
• AGM : May 26, 2011
  
  
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Safran will host today a conference call open to analysts at 9:00 am which can be accessed at +33 1 72 00 13 68 from France and +44 203 367 9453 from the UK. A replay will be available until January 22, 2011 at +33 1 72 00 15 00, +44 203 367 9460 and +1 877 642 3018 (access code 271284#).

The press release and presentation are available on the website at http://www.safran-group.com

Key figures

Notes

Adjusted data To reflect the Group’s actual economic performance and enable it to be monitored and benchmarked against competitors, Safran prepares an adjusted income statement alongside its consolidated financial statements.

Particularly, Safran recognizes, all changes in the fair value of its foreign currency derivatives in “financial income (loss)”, in accordance with the provisions of IAS 39 applicable to transactions not qualifying for hedge accounting.

Accordingly, Safran’s consolidated income statement is adjusted for the impact in financial income (loss) of the mark-to-market of foreign currency derivatives, in order to better reflect the economic substance of the Group’s overall foreign currency risk hedging strategy:

• revenue net of purchases denominated in foreign currencies is measured using the effective hedging rate, i.e., including the costs of the hedging strategy;
• the recognition of the mark-to market of unsettled hedging instruments at the closing date is neutralized.

Third-quarter 2010 and nine-month 2010 reconciliation between consolidated revenue and adjusted revenue.

PRESS RELEASE

25.10.2010
Sagem showcases broad range of air-sea optronics solutions at Euronaval 2010 Exhibition

Paris October 22, 2010

To meet the evolving needs of today’s navies, Sagem (Safran group) is showcasing its innovative offering of optronics systems at Euronaval 2010 exhibition. Sagem’s range of shipborne optronics systems covers all types of ships, from coast guard cutters to warships, and all at-sea missions – security, search & rescue, anti-piracy, intelligence, self-defense, high-intensity engagement, etc.

Vigy Observer – A stabilized panoramic naval surveillance system, Vigy Observer helps ensure safe navigation, observation and identification aid in policing actions, as well as detecting asymmetric attacks. It features a modular design, chosen by the user, with either a cooled or non-cooled thermal channel, color TV channel, rangefinder and laser pointer. Vigy Observer meets the needs of both merchant marines and security forces (coast guard, customs services, maritime police, etc.). In addition, it is compact and easy to install on any type of ship.

Sea Odin – A day-night sighting system for 12.7 mm machine guns and 20 mm canon, based on new infrared technologies with “around the corner” sighting. Sea Odin enables the port gunner to fire accurately, while still being protected when firing at depression angles from close quarters.

Sea WASP™ – A remotely-operated light naval cupola, Sea WASP™ is fitted with a 7.62 or 5.56 mm weapon, plus a TV camera and thermal imager. Developed in collaboration with Panhard, Sea WASP is designed for maritime policing applications. It can also be combined with the Vigy Observer in a self-defense system.

Euroflir 410 Naval –A gyrostabilized day-night observation system for surface vessels. Euroflir 410 Naval is designed to detect approaching aircraft or landing craft day or night, and even at very long range. Perfectly stabilized, it supports the operation of high-definition optronic sensors with long focal lengths.

Sagem optronics systems have been delivered to navies of some 30 countries and are selected or on board today’s leading ship programs: SNLE NG, Barracuda, Scorpène, the FREMM, Horizon, Anzac and AWD (1) frigates, LHD aircraft carriers (2) and Baynunah class corvettes (3).

These systems are showcased on the Sagem stand (B6) in several different centers of excellence: submarines, surface vessels, commando operations, portable and airborne optronics, Patroller-S drone, AASM guided weapon.

1) AWD = Air Warfare Destroyer, Australia and New Zealand
2) LHD = Landing Helicopter Dock, Australia
3) Baynunah class corvette, United Arab Emirates

PRESS RELEASE

25.10.2010
Sagem and Panhard introduce Sea WASP, the new shipborne remotely operated turret

Paris Le Bourget, Euronaval, October 25, 2010

Panhard and Sagem (Safran group) unveiled the naval version of the WASP remotely-operated turret at this year’s Euronaval naval defense and maritime exhibition and conference.

Sea WASP is primarily intended for self-defense against asymmetrical threats of ships that are docked or operating offshore. Fitted with a daytime optronic sensor plus thermal imager, along with an image fusion system to facilitate at-sea detection, it controls a small-caliber machine gun, either 5.56 or 7.62 mm. Sea WASP is very light, weighing just 50 kg, and easy to install. It can be remotely controlled from the ship’s operations center, and provides total surveillance of the immediate surroundings, day or night.

Sea WASP lightens the security duties generally assigned to marine commando units, and enables warships facing an asymmetrical threat to avoid using their main large-caliber weapons. It can also function as the main weapon on small ocean or harbor patrol boats.

As a platform for non-lethal systems, Sea WASP represents an innovative solution to improve the security of merchant ships. Installed at strategic points, it can help crews resist boarding attempts while awaiting rescue.

Sagem and Panhard jointly designed the Sea Wasp turret, which is featured in a dynamic demonstration on the Sagem stand B6.

PRESS RELEASE

25.10.2010
Sagem to supply air-surface detection systems for Brazil’s four new-generation submarines

Paris le Bourget, Euronaval 2010 exhibition, October 25, 2010

Sagem (Safran group) has signed a contract with French ship-builder DCNS for the development and production of air-surface detection systems to be fitted on four conventional submarines ordered by Brazil.

Sagem will supply three assemblies for each ship:

• Series 30 SMS (1) multi-sensor tracking optronics mast, with a wide-array infrared imager and high-definition color camera.
  
• Series 20 APS (2) attack periscope, also incorporating a high-definition color camera.
  
• Series 10 CSR (3) navigation radar mast.
  
  

Featuring a modular design, the new generation of non-penetrating masts and periscopes developed by Sagem meets the changing needs of today’s navies, since they can easily integrate additional sensors, whether optronic or ESM (electronic support measures). Furthermore, this family of masts is designed to enable navies to carry out their own advanced maintenance.

The systems intended for Brazil’s new submarines also feature advanced technologies developed by Sagem : integrated digital imaging system, high-resolution panoramic display, user-friendly operation from multifunction combat system consoles, etc.

1 – SMS : Search Mast System
2 – APS : Attack Periscope System
3 – CSR : Compact Submarine Radar

PRESS RELEASE

26.10.2010
Sagem to supply NATO-standard interoperability bays for French army’s Sperwer drones

Paris, October 26, 2010

French defense procurement agency DGA has awarded Sagem (Safran group) a contract for an interface bay supporting NATO STANAG 4609 (1) interoperability standard, intended for the Sperwer tactical drone systems deployed by the French army in Afghanistan.

With these bays installed in the ground control stations, the Sperwer drone system can now transmit real-time geo-referenced video streams over French and allied command and intelligence networks, using NATO’s STANAG 4609 video and data transmission standard (Digital Motion Imagery Format).

Adding this interoperability capability will optimize the sharing of information and quality of intelligence gathered, in combination with the Sperwer system’s proven ability to integrate France’s SAIM (2) intelligence interpretation system, SICF (3) command system and Atlas (4) artillery coordination system.

The transmission of STANAG 4609 standard geo-referenced videos as a NATO interoperability function is now a basic feature of Sagem’s drone systems, including the Sperwer Mk. II tactical drone and the Patroller™ long-endurance drone.

This latest contract underscores Sagem’s expertise in the design and construction of modern drone systems that can be fully integrated in joint NATO operations, even with the most complex command and intelligence architectures.

1 – STANAG: Standardization Agreement, NATO standards
2 – SAIM (Système d’Aide à l’Interpretation Multi-capteurs): multi-sensor interpretation aid system
3 – SICF (Système d’Information et de Commandement des Forces): armed forces command and information system
4 – Atlas (Automatisation des Tirs et Liaisons de l’Artillerie sol-sol): artillery coordination and firing automation

PRESS RELEASE

26.10.2010
Sagem to supply navigation systems for France’s new Suffren class nuclear attack submarines

Paris, Le Bourget, Euronaval exhibition, October 26, 2010

French naval shipyard DCNS has ordered Sigma 40XP inertial navigation systems from Sagem (Safran group) for the new Suffren class nuclear attack submarines, within the scope of the Barracuda program.

DCNS made its selection because of the Sigma 40XP’s high performance demonstrated during sea trials conducted by the French navy using several different ships: the Monge test and measurement vessel, the Beautemps-Beaupré oceanographic research ship, and Rubis/Amethyste class nuclear attack submarines.

The Sigma 40XP navigation system calls on advanced technologies developed by Sagem, especially laser gyros and sophisticated digital filtering. Incorporated in the submarines’ combat system, the Sigma 40XP will play a critical role in the success of all tactical missions, as well as navigation in close quarters and weapon systems, including the planned Scalp naval cruise missile.

The Sigma 40XP system draws on Sagem’s long experience in high-precision navigation: Sagem already supplies systems for a number of surface vessels and submarines (conventional, air-independent and nuclear propulsion) deployed by more than 30 navies worldwide.

Sagem is also prime contractor for the DAS air-surface optronic and radar detection system on France’s new Suffren class nuclear attack submarines.

PRESS RELEASE

27.10.2010
Sagem’s shipborne Sigma 40 inertial navigation systems exceed 5 million hours of operation

Paris, Le Bourget, Euronaval exhibition - October 27, 2010

The Sigma 40 inertial navigation system by Sagem (Safran group) has passed the milestone of 5 million hours of operation in service. The data accumulated by this fleet clearly demonstrates the outstanding operational reliability of the naval Sigma 40, with MTBF (mean time between failure) of more than 35,000 hours. Operating data also shows that systems frequently exceed 50,000 hours in service without requiring any maintenance.

This exceptional performance, confirmed by feedback by a number of different navies worldwide, proves the unrivaled dependability of the laser gyro technology behind the Sigma 40. Based on a proprietary Sagem technology, these laser gyros combine high precision with the robustness demanded for maritime operation under severe conditions, and are used for both navigation and the ship’s combat system.

The Sigma 40 is both an attitude and heading reference system (AHRS) and an inertial navigation system. It is offered in several versions, with different levels of performance and interfaces to match the needs of different ships, whether surface vessels or submarines (nuclear or conventional propulsion).

Sigma 40 inertial navigation systems equip ships of all types deployed by more than 30 navies worldwide. In particular, the Sigma 40 has been selected for many of today’s leading naval shipbuilding programs, including the European multi-mission frigates FREMM, Mistral class projection and command ships (“BPC”), Scorpène class conventional attack submarines and Suffren class nuclear submarines (Barracuda program).

1 – MTBF : Mean Time Between Failures
2 – AHRS : Attitude and Heading Reference System
3 – BPC : Bâtiment de Projection et de Commandement

PRESS RELEASE

28.10.2010
Philippe Schleicher named coordinator of the planned merger of the solid propulsion businesses at Safran and SNPE

Paris, 28 October 2010

On October 1, Safran announced a draft agreement for the acquisition of SNPE Matériaux Energétiques and its subsidiaries. This framework industrial and commercial collaboration agreement seeks to bolster the solid rocket motor industry, a key to the success of Europe’s launch vehicles and missiles.

Philippe Schleicher has been named to coordinate this project, on behalf of Safran, effective November 1. At the same time, he retains his current position as Chief Executive Officer of Techspace Aero (Safran group).

Philippe Schleicher, 56, holds degrees from the HEC business school, Sciences Politiques in Paris and Université Panthéon-Sorbonne. He started his career in 1980 as aircraft braking business manager with Messier-Bugatti, then being named general manager in 1987. In 1994 he was appointed President of Nobelsport (Groupe SNPE), a manufacturer of ammunition components for hunting and shooting. From 2000 to 2004, with the support of various investment funds, he acquired companies specialized in the design and installation of automated production lines for the agrifoods business. Philippe Schleicher joined Safran in 2004 as CEO of its Belgian subsidiary, Techspace Aero, specialized in systems, equipment and test cells for aircraft and rocket engines.

PRESS RELEASE

28.10.2010
Sagem to supply navigation systems for Abu Dhabi class frigates, future flagship of the United Arab Emirates Navy

Paris, Le Bourget, Euronaval, October 28, 2010

Sagem (Safran group) has won a contract from Italian shipyard Fincantieri SpA to deliver and integrate the Sigma 40 inertial navigation systems on the new Abu Dhabi class anti-submarine warfare (ASW) frigate.

Integrated in the ship’s combat system, the Sigma 40 ring laser gyro inertial navigation system is a critical part of the ship. It significantly enhances the effectiveness of the ship’s sensors, weapons and self-defense systems because of its high precision, reliability and sustained performance over time.

Furthermore, the Sigma 40 is known for its easy operation and maintenance, along with a compact design and hardware and software scalability.

This latest contract consolidates Sagem’s position as the supplier of high-performance inertial navigation systems for the United Arab Emirates Navy’s front-line warships. The Sigma 40 system was also chosen by the UAE for many other vessels.

Sagem navigation systems are now used on many surface vessels and submarines (nuclear, air-independent and conventional propulsion) deployed by more than 30 navies around the world. The Sigma 40 is used on Horizon class frigates and Rubis/Amethyste class nuclear attack submarines. In particular, it was chose for the FREMM multi-mission frigates to be deployed by France and Italy, and for the new Suffren class nuclear attack submarines, as part of the Barracuda program.

PRESS RELEASE

03.11.2010
Sagem and Kazakhstan Engineering sign an agreement to create joint venture for drones

Paris, November 2, 2010

Sagem (Safran group) and Kazakhstan Engineering, a Kazakh state-owned company, have signed a Memorandum of Cooperation concerning tactical drone systems.

According to the agreement signed by Smagulov Bolat Sovetovich, President of Kazakhstan Engineering, and Jean-Lin Fournereaux, Chairman and CEO of Sagem, the two companies intend to create a joint venture in Kazakhstan to produce, support and market drone systems.

This planned joint venture will offer drone systems to different ministries and public companies in Kazakhstan to carry out defense, homeland security and other missions (ministries of defense and agriculture, emergency services, border patrols, national gas company, etc.).

Sagem and Kazakhstan Engineering have started exclusive discussions to determine the procedures for collaboration and the establishment of a balanced joint venture.

The application of the agreement is subject to authorization by the French and Kazakh governments.

PRESS RELEASE

03.11.2010
Sagem and Ukrainian state-owned company CharZ team up on drones

Paris, November 2, 2010

Sagem (Safran group) and the Chuguev Aircraft Repair Plant (CharZ), a Ukrainian state-owned company, have signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) concerning tactical drone systems.

According to the MoA signed by Oleg V. Solovyov, head of CharZ, and Jean-Lin Fournereaux, Chairman and CEO of Sagem, the two companies will establish an exclusive teaming arrangement on tactical drones in Ukraine.

This joint venture will offer the Ukrainian ministry of defense, as well as other ministries, and public and private companies, drone systems meeting their specific defense or homeland security needs.

It will cover joint production and logistics support for these drone systems.

The application of the agreement is subject to authorization by the French and Ukrainian governments.

PRESS RELEASE

03.11.2010
Aircelle reaches agreement with Airbus for tailored nacelle services on Singapore Airlines’ A340-500 fleet

Le Havre, France, November 2, 2010

Aircelle is to provide comprehensive maintenance services for engine nacelle components on Singapore Airlines’ A340-500 jetliners under terms of a new umbrella contract reached by the international carrier with Airbus for its "Flight Hour Services - Tailored Support Package."

As a result of this six-year agreement, Aircelle joins a supplier team that will furnish cost-effective, adapted services for Singapore Airlines’ five A340-500s – which are operated in an all-business class configuration on long-haul flights.

"We have been supporting Singapore Airlines’ A340 fleet since 2004 to the customer’s complete satisfaction, and we look forward to continuing the relationship through this new Airbus services contract for the A340-500s," said Marc Laubreaux, Aircelle’s Vice President Customer Support. "Airlines worldwide are increasingly looking for services that are offered on a flight-hour basis, and this new contract confirms Aircelle’s strategy to provide the best and most exclusive tailored global solutions that are fully capable of responding to this industry trend."

Marc Laubreaux noted that Aircelle-built nacelles for Singapore Airlines’ A340s have demonstrated very high reliability during years of service, which has been recognized by the carrier for operational excellence.

PRESS RELEASE

04.11.2010
Morpho’s technology: central to the successful issuance of India’s first UIDAI number

New Delhi, India, November 4, 2010

Morpho’s technology played a key role in the issuance of the first 12-digit UIDAI* number during the inauguration ceremony for the Aadhaar project by the Indian Prime Minister. This marks the official launch of the world’s largest biometrics-based identity project and a major leap for India’s development. Morpho (Safran group) has been at the forefront of this effort as the biometrics technology provider for de-duplication of the very first numbers.

The program is designed to provide a secure identity to all Indian residents, based on the latest generation biometric technologies (fingerprint and iris recognition). As part of this project each Indian resident will be assigned a unique identification number. This number will not only enable secure access to benefits and services (education, telecom, medical care, banking and financial services), but also unprecedented political and economic rights for the residents of India.

Currently among the project’s three successful bidders, selected following an extensive qualification process, Mahindra Satyam/Morpho is the only Indian company-led consortium that has already de-duplicated thousands of biometric records at the UIDAI centre in Bangalore, using Morpho’s technology.

"We are very proud that our technology has been the first to de-duplicate biometrics for the issuance of the very first Aadhaar number," commented Jean-Paul Jainsky, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Morpho. "It is truly a remarkable achievement that the UIDAI authority has been able to accomplish in just a year. Morpho has been involved in the Indian government’s biometric projects since 2003 and we look forward to taking on the major technological challenges that come with this project."

This is a significant endorsement of the consortium’s capability and readiness in deploying a highly sophisticated technology based on the expertise of Morpho, the world’s number one biometric systems provider.

*UIDAI: Unique Identification Authority of India

PRESS RELEASE

04.11.2010
Safran creates Group Management and Top Executives department, headed by Benoît Gosset

Paris, 4 November 2010

Safran has created a new department, Group Management and Top Executives, as part of Corporate Human Resources. Reporting to Safran’s Management Committee, it will define and apply the Group’s recruiting, mobility and career management policy for top executives, as well as overseeing relations and partnerships with schools.

The new department will oversee the deployment of HR processes in areas under its responsibility and coordinate international HR practices in Group companies around the world, as well as managing international transfers.

Corporate Human Resources, headed by Jean-Luc Bérard, is now organized around three major departments:

• Training and Managerial Development, headed by Gilbert Font.
  
• Labor-Management Relations, headed by Francis Baeny.
  
• Group Management and Top Executives, headed by Benoit Gosset.
  
  

Benoit Gosset, until now deputy to Safran’s Executive Vice President, in charge of the Aerospace Propulsion branch, will take charge of this new department.

Snecma (Safran group) is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of aircraft and space engines, with a wide range of propulsion systems on offer. The company designs and builds commercial aircraft engines – including the CFM56 world’s leader - that are powerful, reliable, economical and environmentally friendly, along with military aircraft engines that have always delivered world-class performance.
Snecma also develops and produces propulsion systems and equipment for launch vehicles and satellites. EngineLife™:, a new brand for Snecma’s service business, offers a complete range of engine maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services to airlines, armed forces and operators.

Safran is a leading international high-technology group with three core businesses: Aerospace (propulsion and equipment), Defence and Security. Operating worldwide, the Safran group has 55,000 employees and generated sales exceeding 10.4 billion euros in 2009.
Working alone or in partnership, Safran holds world or European leadership positions in its core markets. The Group invests heavily in Research & Development to meet the requirements of changing markets, including expenditures of 1.1 billion euros in 2009.
Safran is listed on NYSE Euronext Paris and its share is part of the SBF 120 and Euronext 100 indexes.

About Turbomeca
Turbomeca (Safran group) is the leading helicopter engine manufacturer, and has produced over 68 000 turbines based on its own designs since the company was founded. Dedicated to 2,350 customers in 155 countries, Turbomeca provides a proximity service thanks to its 16 sites, 26 Maintenance Centers, 24 Repair & Overhaul Centers and 90 Field representatives and Field technicians.
Microturbo, the subsidiary of Turbomeca, is the European leader in turbojet engines for missiles, drones and auxiliary power units.

About Aircelle
Aircelle is one of the leading players in the worldwide nacelle market for aircraft engines. A subsidiary of the Safran group, it employs nearly 3,000 people on seven sites in France, the United Kingdom and Morocco. Aircelle is the only nacelle manufacturer in the world present on all the market segments, from regional and business aircraft to the largest airliners, including the Airbus A380. Aircelle also is developing the worldwide customer support and service activity for nacelles and their components.