RIVE signs exclusive partnership with Safran Helicopter Engines
to accelerate the decarbonisation of helicopter operations

Paris, November 29, 2023. RIVE Private Investment, an independent European investment company specialising in impact transport assets and infrastructure dedicated to the energy transition, has signed an exclusive partnership agreement with Safran Helicopter Engines, which has developed a decarbonisation advisory offering with a CO2 emissions tracking model.

RIVE’s financial and technical expertise stems from more than 10 years’ experience in leasing transport assets, with a dual focus on reducing the environmental footprint and social impact. The challenge for the company, which owns a fleet of 65 helicopters and 126 engines, is to take a proactive approach to decarbonising its critical assets. To achieve this, RIVE is equipping itself with tools to support its customers and partners, both operators and manufacturers in the sector.

Safran Helicopter Engines aims to be the leading manufacturer of low-carbon helicopters, with a roadmap based on three development priorities: even more efficient gas turbines, hybrid-electric technologies and sustainable aviation fuels.

In the air transport sector, fuel accounts for 95% of CO2 emissions, and the industry is relying heavily on innovation in engines and fuels to reduce their footprint and meet low-carbon targets.

The long-term partnership between RIVE and Safran Helicopter Engines has a number of components:
– Detailed calculation of emissions by type and mission of the RIVE fleet,
– Raising awareness and providing advanced training in decarbonisation for RIVE’s teams,
– Analysis of regulations and their impact on RIVE’s strategies,
– Assessment of the environmental (emissions) and financial (costs) trajectories of the RIVE fleet,
– Implementation of actions in the field of CO2 emissions and costs, including a SAF strategy (sustainable fuels).

As a multi-specialist in transport with positive impact, RIVE is one of the players capable of providing high value-added solutions for each segment of the transport industry in which it is positioned. Through its RTAIF fund (RIVE Transportation Assets Income Fund), RIVE has been investing for over 10 years in transport assets that contribute to the decarbonisation of the sector or meet society’s essential needs, such as rail, specialised aviation (medical, fire-fighting, rescue, etc.) and maritime (electric ferries, support for offshore wind farms, etc.). In a long-term partnership approach, RIVE supports its operator and manufacturer clients in reducing the environmental impact of their activities.

Camille Brunel, Partner at RIVE Private Investment:

« This exclusive partnership with Safran Helicopter Engines marks a significant step forward in our commitment to the ecological transition. By becoming the world’s first customer for Safran’s new CO2 emissions measurement and consultancy support offer, which we helped to inspire and structure, we are affirming our desire to be at the forefront of decarbonisation in the mission-critical helicopter sector, with undeniable social benefit. With the expertise and support of Safran Helicopter Engines, we are better equipped to assist our customers and partners in reducing their footprint, strengthening our position as a leader in the leasing of impact transport assets. »

Mathieu Albert, Safran Helicopter Engines EVP Support and Services:

« We are particularly pleased that RIVE Private Investment is calling on our expertise in helicopter decarbonization. We will help them to better understand the issues involved in the decarbonisation of its operation, for the benefit of their customers and the market as a whole. Decarbonising helicopters is not just a question of developing new technologies for our engines. It also involves supporting operators in measuring and optimising their fuel consumption and associated emissions. »

About RIVE Private Investment

RIVE Private Investment is an independent European investment firm specializing in transportation assets and energy transition infrastructure. RIVE targets the small and mid-market and combines both financial and sector expertise. Founded in 2013 and operating in Paris, Luxembourg and Geneva, RIVE has financed more than €2.3 billion of assets through more than 100 transactions in over 15 countries.

Through its RTAIF fund, RIVE invests in assets that contribute to the decarbonization of the transport sector and/or serve essential needs, such as rail, specialized aviation (medical, fire-fighting and rescue, etc.) and maritime (electric ferries, support for offshore wind farms, etc.). Since its launch in mid-2021, the RTAIF fund has deployed more than €200 million of capital in 10 OECD countries.

About Safran

Safran is an international high-technology group, operating in the aviation (propulsion, equipment and interiors), defense and space markets. Its core purpose is to contribute to a safer, more sustainable world, where air transport is more environmentally friendly, comfortable and accessible. Safran has a global presence, with 83 000 employees and sales of 19.0 billion euros in 2022, and holds, alone or in partnership, world or regional leadership positions in its core markets. Safran is listed on the Euronext Paris stock exchange and is part of the CAC 40 and Euro Stoxx 50 indices.

About Safran Helicopter Engines

Safran Helicopter Engines is the world’s leading manufacturer of helicopter engines, with more than 75,000 produced since being founded. It offers the widest range of helicopter turboshafts in the world and has more than 2,500 customers in 155 countries.

Press contact:

Bénédicte Debusschere – b.debusschere@bcadvisory.fr – 06 48 56 70 71
Victoria Wojtczak – v.wojtczak@bcadvisory.fr  – 06 79 75 01 66