Jet engine and equipment maker Safran saw income and sales soar in the first half of the year.

The French aerospace company, which has a base in Gloucester, said recurring operating income rose 41% in the first half to 1.974 billion euros as sales rose 19% to 13.047 billion euros.

The company was boosted by growth in the demand for spares and maintenance for existing aircraft and an end to losses in aircraft interiors.

CEO Olivier Andriès said: "Safran has made a strong start to the year with operating margin exceeding 15% of sales. This result is due primarily to the growth of aftermarket activity for engines and aircraft equipment, but also through reaching operating breakeven in aircraft interiors activities, with a substantial year-over-year improvement.

"Going forward, our primary objective is to manage continuously supplier performance in order to meet our customer commitments, particularly regarding new engine deliveries, and to mitigate any associated impacts.

"We are very confident in our ability to achieve our 2024 financial guidance, particularly for the operating result, with some pressure on cash flow notably related to the timing of advance payments."

Safran and GE Aerospace jointly own CFM International, the world's largest jet engine maker by volume, whose engines power all Boeing 737s and about half of the competing Airbus A320 family.