Safran S.A. (French pronunciation: [safʁɑ̃]) is a French multinational aerospace, defence and security corporation headquartered in Paris. It designs, develops and manufactures both commercial and military aircraft engines; launch vehicle, spacecraft and missile propulsion systems; as well as various other aerospace and military equipment and devices. The main products manufactured are engines for various aircraft. The company was founded in 2005 through a merger between the aerospace engine manufacturer SNECMA and the electronics specialist SAGEM. Safran's subsequent acquisition of Zodiac Aerospace in 2018 significantly expanded its aeronautical activities.
Employing over 92,000 people and generating 31.32 billion euros in revenue in 2025, the company is listed on the Euronext stock exchange and is part of the CAC 40 and Euro Stoxx 50.
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Name
The name Safran was chosen from 4,250 suggestions, including 1,750 proposed by employees. As a holding company for many subsidiaries, the name was deemed suitable for the suggestion of direction, movement, and strategy. Safran translates as "rudder blade" and as "saffron", which the company highlights as one of the catalysts for early international trade.
History
Origins
In 1905, Louis Seguin created the company Gnome. Production of the first rotary engine for airplanes, the Gnome Omega, started in 1909. This company merged with Le Rhône, a company created in 1912 by Louis Verdet, to form the Gnome et Rhône engine company. Gnome & Rhône was nationalized in 1945, creating Snecma. In 2000, this company gave its name to the "Snecma Group", and carried out a number of acquisitions to form a larger group with an array of complementary businesses.
Sagem (Société d'Applications Générales de l'Electricité et de la Mécanique) was created in 1925 by Marcel Môme. In 1939, Sagem entered the telephone and transmissions market by taking control of Société anonyme des télécommunications (SAT). It acquired Société de Fabrication d'Instruments de Mesure (Sfim), a measurement instrument specialist, in 1999. However, by 2008, Sagem Mobile and Sagem Communications had been sold. Sagem Mobile became Sagem Wireless in January 2009.
Safran Group
The Safran Group was created on 11 May 2005 with the merger of Snecma and Sagem SA.
In June 2014, Arianespace CEO Stéphane Israël announced that European efforts to remain competitive in response to SpaceX's recent success have begun in earnest. This included the creation of a new joint venture company from Arianespace's two largest shareholders: the launch-vehicle producer Airbus and engine-producer Safran.
By May 2015, Safran had created with Airbus Group a launcher joint venture called Airbus Safran Launchers.
This entity developed the Ariane 6 launch vehicle for its initial flights in July 2024.
In January 2017, Safran initiated a takeover of the aircraft interior supplier Zodiac Aerospace to create the third largest aerospace supplier with $22.5 billion revenue, behind United Technologies with $28.2 billion and GE Aviation with $24.7 billion; the new group will be 92,000-employee strong, with 48% of its business in aircraft systems and equipment, from landing gears to seats, 46% in propulsion and 6% in defense.
In February 2017, Christopher Hohn, a London-based investor and CEO of TCI Fund Management, opposed the acquisition deal with Zodiac, citing concerns about the target's debt levels. At the time, Hohn held 4% of Safran shares.
In May 2017, Safran announced the completion of the sale of its identity and security activities to Advent International for Euro 2.4 billion.
In February 2018, Safran took control of Zodiac Aerospace, significantly expanding its aircraft equipment activities. Zodiac Aerospace has 32,500 employees and generated sales of 5.1 billion euros for its fiscal year ended 31 August 2017.
On 4 June 2018, Boeing and Safran announced their 50-50 partnership to design, build and service auxiliary power units after regulatory and antitrust clearance in the second half of 2018.
Group organisation
The Safran group is divided into three main branches:
Aerospace propulsion
The aerospace propulsion branch groups all operations concerning the propulsion of aeroplanes, helicopters, missiles, and launchers, for the civil aviation, military aviation, and space markets: design, production, marketing, testing, maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO).
Safran Aircraft Engines (formerly Snecma Moteurs)
Commercial & military engines, liquid propulsion for space launchers
Safran Helicopter Engines
Turboshaft engines for helicopters
Jet engines for training and support aircraft
Turbines for missiles and drones (Microturbo subsidiary)
APU (Microturbo subsidiary). Safran provides APU systems since 1962.
Safran Microturbo
Safran Aero Boosters
Components for aircraft and rocket engines
Safran Transmission Systems
Power transmissions for aircraft engines
ArianeGroup
Solid rocket motors for launchers, strategic and tactical missiles
Thermostructural composite materials
PowerJet
50-50 joint venture with Russian-owned UEC Saturn to make SaM146 engines
Aircraft Equipment, Defense and Aerosystems
The aircraft equipment branch groups all design, production, sales, and support operations for systems and equipment used by civil and military airplanes and helicopters.
Safran Landing Systems
Landing gear design, manufacture, and support
Wheels and carbon brakes for mainline commercial jets
Braking control and hydraulic systems
Safran Nacelles
Commercial airplane engine nacelles and thrust reversers
Safran Electrical & Power
Aircraft wiring and power distribution
Safran Electronics & Defense
Technologies and services in optronics, avionics, electronics and safety-critical software
Safran Aerosystems
Equipment and systems in fluid management and security
Safran Engineering Services
Engineering and consulting company
Aircraft Interiors
Safran Cabin
Cabin interiors
Safran Seats
Passenger and technical seats
Safran Passenger Solutions
Cabin equipment and solutions focused on passenger comfort
Corporate affairs
Shareholder profile
As of 30 June 2025
Public: 82.39%
French state: 11.72%
Employees: 5.55%
Treasury shares: 0.34%