The new joint venture company formed by GE's Middle River Aircraft Systems (MRAS) and Aircelle of the SAFRAN Group has concluded a cooperative nacelle systems agreement with CFM International.

This accord covers the development and production of integrated propulsion systems for potential new applications for CFM engines.

"The agreement opens exciting opportunities for the creation of new integrated propulsion systems that will be highly efficient and cost effective," said Steve Walters, president of the MRAS/Aircelle joint venture.

CFM International is a 50/50 joint company between Snecma (SAFRAN Group) and General Electric Company.

The MRAS/Aircelle nacelle joint venture, which was announced in 2008 by GE and SAFRAN, covers complete nacelles and nacelle subsystems – providing highly competitive and innovative solutions based on the expertise and resources of its companies. The organization builds on GE's and SAFRAN's more than 35 years of joint venture experience, and is headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Aircelle is a leading player in the worldwide nacelle market for aircraft engines. A member of the SAFRAN group, it employs approximately 3,000 persons at seven sites in France, the United Kingdom and Morocco. Aircelle is the only nacelle manufacturer in the world present on all market segments, from business and regional aircraft to the largest airliners, including the A380.

Middle River Aircraft Systems is one of the world's leading suppliers of jet engine thrust reversers and nacelle systems. The company also produces a variety of specialized structures for major aircraft manufacturers, including Boeing and Lockheed Martin, for commercial and military aircraft. Middle River employs a workforce of 1,000 employees at its Baltimore, Maryland site. In addition to design and manufacturing, Middle River Aircraft Systems provides technical support and spares services for a variety of aero-structures.

Together, Middle River Aircraft Systems and Aircelle have extensive capabilities in all aspects of nacelles, from engine inlet to exhaust nozzle – including thrust reversers, fan cowls, acoustic treatment, thermal protection and anti-icing, engine pylons and mounts.