Charles Alcock is managing editor of the AIN Media Group, having rejoined the company in 2019. He has been an aviation journalist since 1986, and previously worked for AIN from 1990 to 2017, most recently as editor-in-chief. His main focus is on covering new aviation technology and business models, as well as international news.
Having been raised in the London area, Alcock studied at the University of Manchester in the UK and earned an honors degree in Politics and Modern History. He speaks English and French, and some German.

Managing Editor

Charles Alcock

Collins Aerospace is a prominent aerospace and defense company specializing in the development and manufacture of advanced technology solutions. They offer a wide range of products and services, including avionics, aircraft interiors, mission systems, and space systems. 

Safran has completed its acquisition of Collins Aerospace’s flight control and actuation business, which provides mission-critical systems for commercial and military aircraft. Announced on Monday, the closing of the transaction completed a process started two years ago when the companies <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/aerospace/2023-07-21/safran-bids-buy-collins-actuator-and-controls-units">announced the deal in July 2023</a>.
The business that will now form part of the French aerospace group’s Safran Electronics &amp; Defense unit employs around 4,000 people in eight facilities in Europe and Asia, with some associated activities in the U.S., Poland, and India. Flight control and actuation systems produced by RTX group subsidiary Collins are fitted on 180 aircraft platforms and in 2024 generated revenues of about $1.55 billion.
“This acquisition offers a unique opportunity to solidify our position in mission-critical flight control and actuation functions and create a global leader in this domain,” said Safran CEO Olivier Andriès. “It will enable us to deliver a comprehensive offering to our customers and position us extremely well for next-generation aircraft. This business fits perfectly with both our product portfolio and our DNA with a high technology content, recurring aftermarket sales, and profitable growth.”
Safran and Collins had aimed to complete the transaction in the second half of 2024. To meet regulatory requirements, Safran has sold its North American electromechanical actuation business to Woodward.

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Safran Completes Takeover of Collins’ Flight Controls and Actuation Unit

The Collins business is now part of the Safran Electronics & Defense division 

Two years after announcing its planned acquisition of Collins Aerospace’s flight control and actuation business, Safran completed the deal on July 21.

Safran Completes Acquisition of Collins’ Flight Controls

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In this article

Safran

Collins Aerospace

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