MISTRAS Announces Strategic Partnership With Safran Aircraft Engines

PRINCETON JUNCTION, NJ  – MISTRAS Group, Inc. (NYSE:MG) a leading “one source” global provider of technology-enabled asset protection solutions, announced the award of its French subsidiary’s exclusive, decade-long contract to serve as the primary strategic provider of nondestructive (NDT) and destructive testing (DT) services for Safran Aircraft Engines, a Safran Group (EPA:SAF) company.

The 10-year agreement with an additional 3-year option utilizes MISTRAS’ comprehensive suite of advanced testing services to evaluate the integrity of forged components used in Safran’s new LEAP (Leading Edge Aviation Propulsion) aircraft engine.  Airlines and operators worldwide have placed over 10,500 orders for Safran’s LEAP engines to power the Boeing 737 MAX, Airbus A320neo, and Comac C919 single-aisle jets, with the first deliveries slated for 2017.

In addition, the deal comprises MISTRAS’ extensive inspection capabilities in assessing and analyzing the structural and mechanical conditions of parts manufactured for Safran’s military engine programs and CFM International—a joint venture between Safran Aircraft Engines and General Electric’s GE Aviation. These programs encompass the CFM56 family of high-bypass turbofan aircraft engines, the world’s best-selling jet engine; the M53, which is deployed by a number of air forces worldwide; and the LM6000,  the performance-record shattering aeroderivative gas turbine from GE Power Generation.

Olivier Detailleur, Managing Director of Safran Industrial Center of Excellence for Rotating Parts, stated: “We selected MISTRAS because we needed a partner that demonstrated the vision, the commitment, and the staying power to support Safran throughout the lifecycle of our LEAP engine program. MISTRAS is one of our strongest service providers, and we are confident that their unique combination of NDT, DT, metallurgical analysis, pre-machining, and surface preparation of alloys used in aircraft engines will meet our needs for many years to come.”
“This exclusive relationship will position our companies for continued success across Safran’s commercial and military engine programs in the future,” said Mehdi Batel, MISTRAS Vice-President, EMEA and Australasia. “The entire MISTRAS organization is committed to providing world-class services to the innovative LEAP engine program. We are privileged to offer our organization’s knowledge and expertise to Safran’s impressive LEAP, CFM56, civil, and military programs.”

MISTRAS Group Chairman and CEO Dr. Sotirios J. Vahaviolos said: “This is a proud day for MISTRAS. We are honored to help Safran and we treasure this important relationship. We will do our best to serve Safran with a wide range of advanced services, delivered with the highest levels of safety, quality, and value. We expect this new contract will support our strong organic growth in serving the European aerospace industry, and position MISTRAS as a leading provider of a complete range of testing services for large aircraft engine manufacturers and their associated supply chains.”