Boeing and Safran today announced the name of their 50% joint venture to design, build and service Auxiliary Power Units (APUs): Initium Aerospace.
From its Latin origins, initium means "the beginning" or "start". This is what an APU is and does when it provides the starting power to the main engines and aeronautical systems on the ground and, if necessary, in flight. Initium Aerospace starts from the knowledge of Boeing's customer and aircraft and from Safran's experience in the design and production of complex propulsion systems.
"This is a great achievement, as we bring together the best of both companies to design and build an advanced APU that will create more value for our customers"said Stan Deal, President and CEO of Boeing Global Services. "It is further evidence of the fact that Boeing is making strategic investments that strengthen our vertical capabilities and continue to expand our portfolio of services."
The creation of Initium Aerospace follows the regulatory and antitrust approvals of the joint venture received last November, following an agreement reached in June.
"I would like to congratulate all those who, in Boeing and Safran, contributed to the creation of this new joint venture", said Philippe Petitcolin, CEO of Safran. "Initium Aerospace is rapidly capitalizing on the extensive experience of both partners to provide cutting-edge APUs and innovative solutions to customers. Safran is proud and totally committed to supporting Boeing's growth and operator expectations. We can not wait to present the first engine demonstrator to the market ".
The initial team consists of employees of the two companies and is led by Etienne Boisseau, CEO of Initium Aerospace. The initial work is underway in San Diego, California, where the team focuses on the design of next-generation APUs and collaborates with the Boeing and Safran teams on engineering and manufacturing.
