Key Stats
Founded: May 11, 2005 (heritage companies date to 1905)
Headquarters: Paris, France
CEO: Olivier Andriès (since 2021)
Employees: Approximately 100,000
Euronext Paris: SAF (CAC 40, Euro Stoxx 50)
Safran SA operates as a leading international high-technology group in the aviation, defense, and space markets. The company designs and manufactures aircraft engines, landing gear, avionics, cabin interiors, and defense electronics. Safran also produces rocket propulsion systems through its stake in ArianeGroup.
The group operates through three main segments: Aerospace Propulsion, Aircraft Equipment, and Aircraft Interiors. Through CFM International, its 50-50 joint venture with GE Aerospace, Safran powers the majority of single-aisle commercial jets worldwide.
Safran generated €27.3 billion in revenue in 2024, marking record financial performance. The company serves major aircraft manufacturers including Airbus and Boeing while maintaining operations in over 30 countries worldwide.
Safran SA History
Safran traces its origins to June 6, 1905, when Louis and Laurent Seguin founded Société des Moteurs Gnome in Gennevilliers, France. Their rotary engines quickly became the standard for aircraft around the world. By 1912, competitor Le Rhône emerged, prompting Gnome to acquire it and form Gnome et Rhône.
Following World War II, France nationalized Gnome et Rhône in 1945, creating Snecma. Meanwhile, Marcel Môme had established Sagem in 1925, initially focused on mechanical engineering before expanding into electronics and telecommunications.
1905
Louis and Laurent Seguin founded Société des Moteurs Gnome. Production of the first Gnome Omega rotary engine began in 1909.
1925
Marcel Môme established Sagem (Société d’Applications Générales de l’Electricité et de la Mécanique) in Paris.
1945
France nationalized Gnome et Rhône, creating Snecma and consolidating French aero-engine manufacturers.
1973
Snecma partnered with General Electric to develop the CFM56 engine, launching a joint venture that continues today.
1993
Sagem acquired Morpho, becoming a world leader in fingerprint-based biometric recognition systems.
2005
Safran SA created on May 11 through the merger of Snecma and Sagem SA. The company was listed on Euronext Paris.
2011
Safran share added to the CAC 40 French stock market index on September 19. CFM launched the new LEAP engine program.
2017
Safran sold its identity and security activities to Advent International for €2.4 billion, refocusing on aerospace core businesses.
2018
Completed €8.5 billion acquisition of Zodiac Aerospace, becoming the world’s third-largest aerospace supplier.
2024
Safran acquired Preligens for AI capabilities and reported record revenue of €27.3 billion with 100,000 employees.
Safran SA Co-founders
Louis Seguin
Co-founded Société des Moteurs Gnome in 1905 with his brother Laurent. Their rotary engines revolutionized early aviation and powered aircraft worldwide.
Laurent Seguin
Co-founded Gnome with brother Louis. The Seguin brothers built one of the first major aerospace propulsion companies in Europe.
Marcel Môme
Founded Sagem in 1925, establishing the electronics and defense technology expertise that later merged with Snecma to create Safran.
Safran SA Competitors
Safran SA competes with global aerospace and defense giants across its propulsion, equipment, and interiors segments. The company holds leadership positions in aircraft engines through CFM International and dominates landing gear markets through Safran Landing Systems.
| Company | Headquarters | Primary Products |
|---|---|---|
| GE Aerospace | Cincinnati, USA | Aircraft engines, avionics, digital solutions |
| Rolls-Royce | London, UK | Aircraft engines, power systems, defense |
| RTX Corporation | Arlington, USA | Engines, avionics, missiles, defense systems |
| Thales | Paris, France | Defense electronics, avionics, cybersecurity |
| BAE Systems | London, UK | Defense systems, electronics, cyber intelligence |
| Honeywell Aerospace | Charlotte, USA | Avionics, engines, auxiliary power units |
| Leonardo | Rome, Italy | Helicopters, defense electronics, cyber |
| Spirit AeroSystems | Wichita, USA | Aerostructures, fuselages, nacelles |
| Triumph Group | Radnor, USA | Aircraft structures, systems, interiors |
| Dassault Aviation | Paris, France | Business jets, military aircraft |
Safran SA Marketcap
Safran SA maintains a market capitalization of approximately €127 billion as of late 2025. The company ranks among Europe’s most valuable aerospace companies and is a constituent of the CAC 40 and Euro Stoxx 50 indices.
Safran SA Market Capitalization (in Billions EUR)
Safran SA Revenue
Safran SA achieved record revenue of €27.3 billion in 2024, marking 17.8% year-over-year growth. Strong aftermarket activities across all segments drove the performance alongside operational excellence improvements.
Safran SA Annual Revenue (in Billions EUR)
Safran SA Acquisitions
Safran SA has pursued strategic acquisitions to strengthen its market position and expand capabilities across aerospace segments. The company focuses on targets that complement its core propulsion, equipment, and interiors businesses while adding new technological capabilities.
The largest acquisition in Safran history occurred in February 2018 when the company completed its €8.5 billion purchase of Zodiac Aerospace. This deal created the world’s third-largest aerospace supplier behind United Technologies and GE Aviation. Zodiac brought 32,500 employees and €5.1 billion in annual revenue along with leading positions in aircraft seats, cabin interiors, and safety systems.
Safran acquired Orolia in 2022, a world leader in Resilient Positioning, Navigation and Timing solutions. This purchase strengthened the company’s navigation product line and expanded its international footprint in PNT systems for aerospace, governmental, and high-integrity applications. Orolia generated over €100 million in annual revenue.
In September 2024, Safran acquired Preligens for $243 million, adding artificial intelligence capabilities for aerospace and defense applications. The company became part of Safran Electronics and Defense. In January 2025, Safran closed its acquisition of CRT (Component Repair Technologies), a leader in aircraft engine parts repair based in Ohio, to expand MRO capabilities in the Americas.
Earlier divestitures shaped the current Safran portfolio. In May 2017, Safran sold its identity and security activities to Advent International for €2.4 billion. This transaction refocused the company on its core aerospace and defense businesses while generating capital for future acquisitions.
FAQs
When was Safran SA founded?
Safran SA was created on May 11, 2005, through the merger of Snecma and Sagem SA. The company’s heritage dates back to 1905 when Louis Seguin founded Gnome in France.
Who is the CEO of Safran SA?
Olivier Andriès serves as Chief Executive Officer of Safran SA. He assumed the CEO role on January 1, 2021, succeeding Philippe Petitcolin after a year-long transition period.
What is Safran SA market capitalization?
Safran SA has a market capitalization of approximately €127 billion as of late 2025. The company trades on Euronext Paris under ticker SAF and is included in the CAC 40 index.
Where is Safran SA headquarters located?
Safran SA headquarters is located in Paris, France. The company operates in over 30 countries worldwide with approximately 100,000 employees across its global operations.
What products does Safran SA manufacture?
Safran SA manufactures aircraft engines, landing gear, avionics, cabin interiors, seats, and defense electronics. Through CFM International, the company produces engines for most single-aisle commercial jets.