Boeing and Safran have received regulatory approvals to start producing aircraft auxiliary power units (APUs).
The 50/50 joint venture, which was first announced in June 2018, will initially see a team setup to design the onboard engines in San Diego, California.
The name of the joint venture and the location of the future headquarters and production and service facilities will be decided at a later date, said the company.
Philippe Petitcolin, CEO of Safran said, “We are confident this joint team will provide first-class products and services within the best integrated industrial organization.”
Stan Deal, CEO of Boeing Global Services said, “This joint venture strengthens Boeing’s vertical capabilities as we continue to expand our services portfolio.”
Etienne Boisseau from Safran has been named as the CEO of the joint venture.
Auxiliary power units (APUs) are primarily used to start the main engines and power aircraft systems while on the ground and, if necessary, in flight.
Safran supplies a wide range of components to Boeing commercial and defense programs, including as a partner to produce CFM’s LEAP-1B engine for the 737 MAX through CFM International, a 50/50 joint venture between Safran Aircraft Engines and GE.