The pre-Christmas period is proving to be a busy time for aviation, space and defence giant Safran, who have extensive interests at Staverton and are one of Gloucestershire's biggest employers.

Key announcements this week include a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Egyptian Air Force, the signing of a new global framework on corporate social responsibility and news of a closer strategic partnership with Morocco.

Signing the new agreement with Morocco, Olivier Andriès, CEO of Safran, said the MoU maps out a plan to develop Morocco's aerospace ecosystem and is based on three principles:

● Development of a high-quality local supply chain, in particular by identifying local Safran suppliers and service providers and supporting the expansion of their production capacities.

● Development of high value-added activities by strengthening research and technology activities and new engineering services.

● Development of talent and skills, by strengthening training and partnerships with engineering schools and universities.

Mr Andriès added: "Sharing the same vision for the future of aerospace, Safran and the Moroccan government are writing a new chapter in their strategic collaboration. This framework agreement marks the continuation of a constructive partnership focused on the development of a robust aerospace industry ecosystem in Morocco. More than ever, we're jointly committed to a pragmatic approach that puts talent development, industrial efficiency, innovation and sustainability at the heart of our collaboration."

As the leader in the country's aerospace sector, Safran has already been present in Morocco for 24 years and employs more than 4,200 people across eight local companies and joint ventures,

At the other end of the Mediterranean, the ink has just dried on a further MoU signed on Wednesday between Safran and the Egyptian AIr Force, marking a deal to cover through-life support on the defence operation's M88 engines, which power the nation's fleet of 24 Dessault Rafale fighter jets.

The agreement, showcased at Egypt Defense Expo (EDEX) 2023, ensures that the M88-powered craft will enjoy maximized engine availability and a lower cost of ownership through a set of tailored services, which include the secondment of specialized personnel to support on-site mechanics and optimize maintenance operations, technical support by dedicated teams to optimize engine potential and management of all logistics flows between Safran Aircraft Engines and the client.

Christophe Bruneau, military engines vice-president at Safran Aircraft Engines said: "We're honoured to sign this MoU with the Egyptian Air Force as part of the launch of our new EngineLife® offering. Egypt is a long-standing customer for Safran Aircraft Engines. In 2015, it was the first export customer to put its trust in the Rafale powered by our M88 engines."

Finally, Safran also announced on Monday that it has "renewed and reinforced" its global framework agreement (GFA) on corporate social responsibility (CSR) with the global union federation IndustriALL Global Union.

The updated agreement reinforces commitments taken in 2017 and applies to all Safran companies in all countries where the tech giant operates, influencing its supply chain and taking account of societal and environmental changes, "in accordance with local cultural, social and economic factors".

Key aspects include adherence to international labour conventions, implementation of Safran's "ambitious commitments in the fight against climate change and environmental protection" and a continuation of the firm's human resources policy, which focuses on providing "a positive work environment that promotes employee wellbeing, diversity, equity and inclusion".

Ethical conduct, respect for the principles of collective bargaining and the right to freedom of association, such as trade unions, are also built into the agreement.

Mr Andriès, said: "Safran has renewed its global framework agreement with IndustriALL Global Union, demonstrating our commitment to providing equitable working conditions, promoting diversity and gender equality, and following ethical business practices. We are pursuing implementation of our CSR strategy hand in hand with all employees, confirming our determination to have a positive influence on the societal and environmental changes taking place around the world."

● With a global presence, 83,000 employees and sales of €19bn in 2022, Safran can lay claim, either alone or in partnership, to world and regional leadership positions across all of its core markets.