Safran announced that its Board of Directors has approved the establishment of a new aircraft carbon brake production facility at the Plaine de l Ain Industrial Park (PIPA) near Lyon, in the Auvergne-Rh ne-Alpes region. Scheduled to begin operations in 2030, the state-of-the-art 30,000 m (323,000 sq. ft) site will support a 25% increase in Safran s carbon brake production volumes by 2037.

The investment, exceeding 450 million, underscores Safran Landing Systems strategy to strengthen its global leadership in carbon brakes. The new facility will join existing plants in Villeurbanne (France), Walton (USA), and Sendayan (Malaysia). Initially employing 100 highly qualified staff, the workforce is expected to double at full capacity.

Given that energy accounts for nearly 30% of carbon brake manufacturing costs, the site was chosen for its secure, long-term access to low-carbon, competitively priced electricity. The plant will feature advanced automation, a high-standard working environment, and technologies enabling zero emissions operations. It will use biomethane and low-carbon electricity, cutting energy use by 30% and water consumption by 80%, while recovering process heat to supply a local heating network.

With this new facility, we re strengthening our global leadership in carbon brakes and ensuring our ability to support our customers, against a backdrop of strong air traffic growth, said Olivier Andri s, CEO of Safran. He credited the French government, regional authorities, EDF, and grid operator RTE for their support in enabling the project.

Safran Landing Systems currently equips 55% of commercial airliners with over 100 seats and supports more than 500 airlines worldwide. Carbon brakes are lighter, more efficient, and three times more durable than steel brakes, helping airlines reduce fuel consumption and operating costs.

Source: www.safran-group.com