SAFRAN Opens New Engine Maintenance Facility in Mexico

Querétaro, May 16, 2008 – The SAFRAN Group, which already has extensive operations in North America, is further expanding its presence with the opening of a new CFM56 maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility in Querétaro, Mexico.

Jean-Paul Herteman, Chief Executive Officer of SAFRAN, and José-Manuel Manzanedo Diaz, Chairman of ITR, today inaugurated the new Snecma Services subsidiary, Snecma America Engine Services (SAMES) in Querétaro. Also attending the ceremony were Bruno Ferrari, representing Eduardo Sojo, Mexican minister of the economy; director of Promexico and Francisco Garrido-Patron, Governor of the State of Querétaro.

The opening of this new MRO facility, dedicated to CFM56-5A, -5B and -7B aircraft engines, reflects Snecma Services’ commitment to expanding its industrial capabilities and worldwide support network. With the opening of SAMES, Snecma Services moves closer to its airline customers in North and South America, to deliver the optimised services they expect in a very competitive market.

Strategically located in the Americas, SAMES is the first CFM56 MRO facility in the region affiliated with the original equipment manufacturer (OEM). Starting operation in record time, this new facility features state-of-the-art machinery, equipment and information systems. Its location also gives it easy access to ITR’s resources, including the engine test cell. ITR is a 49% partner in SAMES.

During the opening ceremony Jean-Paul Herteman said: “The inauguration of this new facility clearly reflects the importance of Mexico in SAFRAN’s international development strategy. For our group, the dynamic Mexican economy, plus access to qualified labor in the U.S. dollar zone, allows us to offer our services at very competitive prices while still guaranteeing OEM quality. I am sure that our current investments will spur further development and partnerships with Mexican industry.”

JM Manzanedo Diaz, Chairman ITR said: “We are very satisfied with this partnership with Snecma Services which reinforces the relations of the ITP group with the SAFRAN group. Snecma America Engine services progresses in accordance with our objectives and ITR will do everything within its power to guarantee the success of SAMES.”

SAFRAN is an international high-technology group with four core businesses: Aerospace Propulsion, Aircraft Equipment, Defense Security, and Communications. It has 57,000 employees in over 30 countries, and annual revenues of 12 billion euros. The SAFRAN Group comprises a number of companies with prestigious brand names, and holds, alone or in partnership, global or European leadership positions in all of its markets.

Turborreactores, S.A. de C.V. - ITR provides worldwide the following services: Engine MRO for JT8D-STD, JT8D-200 & TPE-331, parts and accessories repair, engine maintenance on site, technical assistance, design and development engineering services for aircraft engine programs, engineering support (fleet management), technical documentation, manufacturing of components and engine leasing.