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NT Bureau
Chennai, Feb 9:

        Safran Aerospace India, a part of Safran group with high stakes in aerospace engineering, defence and security, has displayed its latest military and civil engines for aircraft at the on-going Aero India 2007, the sixth aviation and defence exhibition in Bangalore.

        In view of the vast potential of the Indian aviation market, Safran would further enhance its presence by doubling its workforce by 2010. The company had also announced that its 50:50 joint venture with a defence PSU — Snecma - HAL Aerospace — has started production of fluid system components and plans to reach the full capacity of its production by the end of this year.

        'Within a span of five years, Safran has grown from a small liaison office to having six subsidiaries and 1,000 employees in the country. The Safran group through its various companies has entered into a number of agreements for the development of both the defence and civil aircraft industry in India. We therefore have plans to further increase our presence in India in order to accomplish our targeted growth,' said Jean Paul Bechat, chief executive officer, Safran.

        The major companies of the French conglomerate in India are Safran Aerospace India, one of the largest design offices outside Europe, Snecma-HAL Aeros-pace, the joint venture for engine parts, and Smartchip - Syscorn which are into sim-cards for business. Safran Aerospace India, based in Bangalore, focused on major programmes for the civil aviation and for designing engines for the Indian Air Force.

        Snecma-HAL had specialised in engine maintenance, repair and overhaul services for airlines.

        Committed to the export market, Snecma would be one the centres of excellence for localised production of civil and defence aircraft.