Creation of the Airbus Safran Launchers 50/50 joint venture

Finalization of the original agreement signed in December 2014. JV becomes a fully-integrated world-class company, with about 8,400 employees. The new-generation Ariane 6 launcher will make its first flight in 2020 On June 30^th 2016, Airbus Group and Safran have finalized the creation of Airbus Safran Launchers, which becomes a fully-fledged operational company. Airbus Safran Launchers was already managing launcher programme activities and associated equity stakes, and with this closing the company officially incorporates the parent companies’ assets and subsidiaries related to its core business. Airbus Safran Launchers is a world-class company, with about 8,400 employees in France and Germany. It is the head company in a group comprising 11 subsidiaries and affiliates, all leading players in their fields: APP, Arianespace, Cilas, Eurockot, Eurocryospace, Europropulsion, Nuclétudes, Pyroalliance, Regulus, Sodern and Starsem. Airbus Safran Launchers inherits a rich portfolio of products and services, enabling it to deliver innovative and competitive solutions to numerous customers around the world. This final step is the culmination of an ambitious strategic initiative, started in 2014, to reshape the launcher industry in Europe and better serve French, German and European strategic interests.