Aircelle and Applied Composites Engineering Agree to Expand the Scope of Cooperative U.S. Nacelle Services

DALLAS, April 4, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

The Safran group's Aircelle business unit today signed an agreement to enlarge the scope of jet engine thrust reverser and nacelle repair and services performed by Applied Composites Engineering (ACE) in the United States, building on three years of successful cooperation.

This new agreement - which was concluded at the MRO Americas conference in Dallas, Texas - sets the framework to expand ACE's maintenance, repair, overhaul and services activities for Aircelle with jet engines that power regional airlines and business jets in the Americas.

It follows the work performed by ACE since early 2009 on Aircelle-manufactured thrust reversers on three regional airliners, for the following platforms: Embraer's ERJ 145, powered by AE 3007 jet engines; along with the Embraer 170 and 175, which are equipped with CF34 engines.  During a three-year period, ACE has processed several hundred thrust reversers at its Indianapolis, Indiana facility, demonstrating the company's capabilities to deliver high-quality, efficient, and on-time work.

"ACE fully shares Aircelle's values in providing the best in maintenance, repair and overhaul services," said Marc Laubreaux, the Senior Vice President of Customer Service at Aircelle.  "Today's agreement allows us to pursue new prospects in the Americas, and is fully aligned with Aircelle's strategy to expand its services network in key global markets, working with proven and reliable partners."

Aircelle produces nacelles and thrust reversers for a full range of jet engines, including powerplants used on regional and mid-sized airliners, as well as business jets.

ACE is an established U.S. repair services provider, operating FAA-certified facilities at its Indianapolis, Indiana headquarters and in a satellite station in Columbus, Ohio.  The company, which started in 1982 as a small composites shop supporting the Formula 1 racing industry, subsequently focused its business activities in the business jet, commercial aviation and military sectors.

"We look forward to growing the relationship with Aircelle, building on our excellent affiliation by using ACE's U.S. presence and expertise to create new cooperative business opportunities," said ACE President Leigh Sargent.  "Together, we will examine the full range of possibilities in serving Aircelle for the Americas marketplace."

About Aircelle (http://www.aircelle.com)

Aircelle is one of the leading players in the worldwide nacelle market for aircraft engines. A subsidiary of the Safran group, it employs nearly 3,000 people on seven sites in France, the United Kingdom and Morocco. Aircelle is the only nacelle manufacturer in the world present on all the market segments, from regional and business aircraft to the largest airliners, including the Airbus A380. Aircelle also is developing the worldwide customer support and service activity for nacelles and their components.