Paris-headquartered Safran, the world's leading aero engine and aviation equipment manufacturer, has consistently viewed China as one of its strategic markets within its global operations, said Rémi Paul, CEO and country general delegate of Safran China, in Beijing on Monday.
Safran was one of the first French companies to enter China after formal diplomatic relations were established in the 1960s. The company has been involved in various Chinese aircraft, helicopter and engine projects.
Over 70 percent of narrow-body commercial airplanes operating in China are powered by the CFM-56 and LEAP engines made by CFM International, which is a 50/50 joint company between Safran Aircraft Engines and General Electric. CFM International also provides the LEAP-1C engines and nacelles for China's C919 jetliner.
In an exclusive interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN), Paul reaffirmed the French company's commitment to the Chinese aviation market.
"Being one of the first French companies to enter the Chinese market, after the establishment of French-Chinese diplomatic relations in 1964, Safran has long considered China as one of its key strategic markets. Safran has enhanced its footprint in China, covering supply chain, manufacturing, MRO which stands for maintenance, repair and overhaul, and service network to better support our Chinese customers. Deeply rooted in China, Safran has strong confidence in the Chinese aviation market," said Paul.