Thursday December 12, 2024, a moment “historical” was played on the Mercure hangar site in Istres. The event brought together emblematic figures from industry and institutions, including Philippe Rochet, François Bernardini, mayor of Istres and president of the SEM, as well as numerous military and political representatives.
Sabena Technicsa major player in aeronautical maintenance, and the SEM Jean-Sarrail aeronautical center have officially sealed their partnership with the signing of a crucial lease. Crucial certainly, but also very long. Philippe Rochet, president of Sabena Technics remembered the history of this adventure: “This story began when the Air and Space Force (aAE) gave us the MRTT order. This really came to fruition 4 years ago when the army asked Airbus for long-term operational support for the 15 MRTTs of the AAE. Airbus has launched a call for tenders for the maintenance of its aircraft. From then on, several of us responded to this call for tenders and it seems that Sabena Technics did well by responding to all the skills sought.”.
It must be said that Sabena Technics has always proven itself: “sIf we have this know-how, it is because we have had a particular approach for 20 years with the responsibility of the Boeing C135 of the Air Force. I think we have shown enough that we know how to do it in the past”, continues Philippe Rochet.
This signature also marks an important step for a reconversion that began ten years ago, already marked by the establishment of companies like JJGK Aéro and Eleven in the “Jean-Sarrail” aeronautical cluster.
A public-private collaboration serving aeronautics
This signing culminates a decade of efforts aimed at transform the Mercure hangar site into a strategic aeronautical hub. The partnership between Sabena Technics and institutional stakeholders, including the South Region, the Aix-Marseille-Provence Metropolis and the Ministry of Defense, aims to guarantee the maintenance of the Airbus A-330 Phénix fleet based on the BA 125 neighbor. Colonel Sébastien Estève, commander of the base, and Régis Passerieux, commissioner for industrial transition, were also present to underline the strategic importance of this establishment.
Philippe Rochet specified that Sabena Technics will take care of the maintenance of the aircraft in addition to the work carried out by the technicians of the Air and Space Force: “We will carry out maintenance visits and technical modifications, thus creating additional jobs. A rise in power which should generate nearly 200 direct jobs in the long term”, he announced in his own words.
A shared vision and a successful bet for Sabena and Istres
The mayor of Istres, François Bernardinirecalled the uncertain beginnings of this project: “en 2015, we acquired this hangar with the conviction that it would perhaps one day find its purpose. Today our determination paid off”. Moved, he made in particular tribute to his former deputy for the economy Gilbert Ferrarispearheading this initiative, emphasizing “a collective work made possible by a unique synergy between public and private actors”, but also to its current teams. “I’m happy that eccentrics like us made it to the end of this operation!” he said with great humor.
Madame Ayot, representing the South Region, spoke of “a bet kept” despite the many initial challenges: “Istres was able to convince thanks to its strategic location and its unique infrastructures”. The Region and the Metropolis have mobilized a total investment of 7.2 million euros to support this project.
A promising future outlook for the aeronautical industry
The signing of this lease opens new perspectives for the local aeronautical industry. The immediate proximity of the air base will allow direct transfer of aircraft, reducing costs and delays. This exemplary “co-location” could inspire other similar projects in France.
The (new) sub-prefect of Istres, Christophe Borgusconcluded by expressing “pride and recognition” for this achievement: “The State will remain at your side to support this industrial dynamic”, he concluded.
After essential work to bring the building and its surroundings up to standard, the first Airbus A-330 Phénix should be able to enter overhaul by the end of 2025. With this agreement, Istres positions itself as a key player in military aeronautical maintenance in France, consolidating its strategic role for the years to come.
