Calepin des entreprises international 2026 VA.pdf — page 187

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SABENA TECHNICS
Business trends
	
 Originally part of the TAT Group, founded in 1968, Sabena technics provides aircraft maintenance, modification 
and modernisation services for government and commercial customers. The group posted revenues of around 
€700 million in 2024 and employs 4,000 people. In France, its main facilities for military aircraft maintenance, 
repair and overhaul (MRO) are located in Bordeaux, Nîmes, Perpignan, Marseille, Istres and Dinard.
	
 Since 2019, the group has been majority-controlled by a consortium of investors led by the Sagard, Bpifrance 
and TowerBrook investment firms, with the TAT group (Marchais family) and management holding minority 
stakes.
	
 Since 2020, Sabena technics has been strengthening its position in the defence sector with the acquisitions of 
the French companies AeroTech Pro (now Sabena technics ATP), which works on the A400M and A330 MRTT 
aircraft, as well as Aeromecanic (now Sabena technics MRS) and Héli-Union, which provide MRO services for 
military helicopters.	
	
 With a view to offering higher value-added services, Sabena technics acquired the French company Action 
Air Environnement (AAE) in 2024, taking over its fleet of around fifteen ISR aircraft and associated personnel 
(35 people: pilots, ground operators, etc.). These aircraft are offered to government and private customers 
for aerial surveillance missions. Renamed Sabena technics ISR, AAE is based at six locations in France and 
Africa.
Home market
	
 Sabena technics provides MRO and modernisation services for various aircraft and helicopters in service with 
the French Armed Forces and supplies associated services (logistics, pilot training, etc.). The group is also 
involved in aircraft conversion (including Airbus A330s into tanker aircraft).
	
 Sabena technics and Thales were selected at the end of 2022 to modernise the cockpits of the French Air 
Force’s 27 CN235 tactical transport aircraft, whose service life will be extended until the 2040s. Sabena 
technics is responsible for the mechanical and electrical modifications, as well as the integration of the avionics 
and inertial navigation systems supplied by Thales. The modernisation of the fleet (19 CN235-200s and 
8 CN235-300s) is scheduled to take place between 2026 and 2031.
	
 In July 2024, Sabena technics signed a contract with Airbus Defence and Space to provide maintenance and 
support services for the French Air Force’s fleet of A330 MRTT aircraft for 12 years. The group will act as a 
subcontractor to Airbus D&S at the Istres air base (in southeastern France).
	
 As part of France’s acquisition of two GlobalEye AEW&C aircraft (+2 optional), Sabena technics and Saab 
signed a framework agreement in June 2025 for the modification of the aircraft (based on Bombardier’s Global 
6000/6500 jet) and the provision of related services. The work will be carried out in Bordeaux (in southwestern 
France).
Export markets
	
 The group generates around half of its turnover from exports and has more than 500 customers worldwide.
	
 Sabena technics, already responsible for the MRO of the French Air Force’s C-135 and KC-135 tanker aircraft 
(Boeing), signed a contract in October 2024 with the American group Metrea to continue maintaining these 
aircraft. Metrea acquired 14 aircraft withdrawn from service in France (11 C-135s and 3 KC-135s) to provide 
in-flight refuelling services for military aircraft, particularly in the United States and India.
Technology and Innovation
	
 Sabena technics has a design office and is investing in the modernisation of its facilities, in particular to digitise 
maintenance processes (digitisation of all information, monitoring of operations on tablets, use of virtual reality, 
etc.).
STRATEGIC HIGHLIGHTS