An announcement has been made about a joint venture involving an international high-technology group that owns a company in Gloucestershire.

The name of a partnership between Safran Aircraft Engines and Air France Industries KLM Engineering and Maintenance, which was announced last year, has been officially unveiled as Airfoils Advanced Solutions.

Safran Aircraft Engines is among the Safran group of companies that also includes Safran Landing Systems based in Gloucester.

Located at the Sars-et-Rosières business park in northern France, the new company's plant will be completed early next year, with operations due to start in late 2018.

Once the plant is fully up and running in 2020, it is expected to employ between 200 and 250 staff.

Airfoils Advanced Solutions will repair high-pressure compressor blades and variable stator vanes on a range of aircraft.

The facility will incorporate state-of-the-art machinery and equipment while implementing hi-tech metallurgical processes.

Safran Aircraft Engines executive vice-president François Planaud said: "The founding of this joint venture signals a major step forward in our repair capabilities for the high-pressure sections of engines serviced by Safran Aircraft Engines and AFI KLM E&M.

"It's also a tremendous opportunity for Safran Aircraft Engines to strengthen our position as a major supplier of engine MRO services.

"We are also very proud to see that this strategic business line, requiring highly qualified personnel, will be located in our local communities."

Airfoils Advanced Solutions is jointly owned by Safran Aircraft Engines (51 per cent) and Air France KLM (49 per cent), who will invest more than 20 million euros in the new company.

Picture credit: pixabay