Firth Rixson and Safran's leading aero engine company, Snecma, have today announced that they have signed a critical supplier contract worth over an estimated $200 million initially.

The long term agreement secures the supply of Firth Rixson's closed die forged and seamless ring rotating components for the CFM International LEAP-1A, LEAP-1B and LEAP-1C engine programs, from 2014 to 2023. Such LEAP engine programs will power leading next generation aircraft from the Airbus A320neo family and the Boeing 737 MAX family, to the Comac C919.

This long term agreement signed by Snecma (Safran), awards Firth Rixson with a significant market share.

"Firth Rixson have great admiration for the technology that Snecma produces, from the best-selling CFM56 engine, now to the LEAP engine family and with such advanced technology comes the requirement for a first-class supplier. This contract demonstrates the robustness of our critical rotating engine discs and rings supply, as well as reiterates our continuous improvement focus in-line with market demand and adaptation," said David Mortimer, CEO, Firth Rixson.

"Parts will be supplied from our US, UK and Asia-Pacific facilities, which further exemplifies our ability to support Snecma's global sourcing initiatives. It is great, not only to be a part of such aircraft innovation, but to also be Snecma's majority-share chosen supplier, enhancing the ongoing relationship we have with them and Safran."