Olivier Andries1:14
So, the LEAP engine, our new generation engine, is the successor to the venerable CFM56, which was a great global success. Through our transatlantic partnership with General Electric, we became the world leader in civil aircraft engines. The LEAP engine provides a 15% improvement in fuel consumption compared to the previous generation, launched in 2010. We developed it on time, delivered the promised performance, and the first entry into service was in 2016. We have enormous commercial success with over 18,000 orders and intentions of orders, representing about 8 years of production. This commercial success obliges us to meet customer expectations by delivering engines on time to Airbus and Boeing, requiring an unprecedented production ramp-up. In four years between 2016 and 2020, we must increase annual production to 2,000 engines per year. For the previous generation CFM56, it took 35 years to reach a peak production of 1,700 engines, so we have compressed time by a factor of 10. There is no precedent in aeronautics history except for the defense industry ramp-up during World War II. To manage these risks, we invested over a billion euros in new factories or extensions. We made a key decision early in the program: for each engine part, we would have at least two sources, sometimes three, never relying on a single source. This was a key success factor. We also anticipated and managed risks by conducting stress tests a year in advance to identify weaknesses. Execution required daily attention from all teams, not just production and purchasing, but also technical direction and engineering teams were fundamental to success. We faced issues like low yield rates for parts, down to 30% initially, but worked intensely to improve yield to near 100%. Sometimes suppliers were in fragile situations, so we formed special teams to support them until production resumed. Safran also has a great history in combat and military aircraft engines since World War II, having been the engine maker for all Dassault combat aircraft for the French Air Force. We are part of this sovereignty scheme. The next combat aircraft after Rafale, around 2040, will be European, as France alone cannot finance the development cost. It will be a Franco-German partnership, with engine alliance between Safran and MTU. Discussions are progressing well, and we are confident in proposing a development contract to authorities. Regarding the professional profile we seek, beyond scientific and technical engineering background, we value personal qualities. We look for people passionate about the aeronautics industry, which is an industry of passion and perseverance. Success is not immediate, so perseverance is important. The sense of collective work is crucial, as successes are team efforts. Innovation is also valued. These personal qualities are of great interest to us.
