Safran is set to become a 'global leader' in flight control and actuation systems, after acquiring Collins Aersospace's flight control and actuation activities.
Collins' mission critical systems are integrated on board 180 platforms across commercial and military aircraft, with the business generating around $1.55 billion in revenue in 2024 and employing 4,000 people across its eight UK, European and Asian facilities.
The acquisition positions Safran, which has a landing systems facility in Gloucester, as a 'global leader' and offers a number of strategic benefits, including an expanded portfolio of complementary products; well-balanced exposure across commercial, military and helictoper sectors; strengthened capability and expertise in hydraulic and electromechanical actuation; and recurring revenue from service activities, currently representing 40 per cent of turnover.
It enhances Safran's offer in helicopter and nacelle actuation, as well as actuation and flight control solutions for military aircraft and missiles in the defense sector, reinforcing its growth in sovereignty activities.
By combining Safran's electromechanical actuation knowledge and Collins' 'best-in-class' hydraulic and mechanical actuation capabilities, it also means Safran is well-placed to meet the challenges of next-generation single-aisle aircraft which, due to decarbonisation ambitions, will feature 'disruptive architecture features' and be 'increasingly electrified requiring a breakthrough in flight control and actuation systems'.
Safran's CEO, Olivier Andriès, said: 'This acquisition offers a unique opportunity to solidify our position in mission critical flight control and actuation functions and create a global leader in this domain.
'It will enable us to deliver a comprehensive offering to our customers and position us extremely well for next-generation aircraft. This business fits perfectly with both our product portfolio and our DNA with a high technology content, recurring aftermarket sales and profitable growth.'
Collins Aerospace is being consolidated into Safran Electronics and Defense from Friday 1 August 2025.
