News Summary
Safran Cabin, a leader in commercial aircraft interiors, will move its U.S. headquarters from Huntington Beach to Costa Mesa by September 2. The new office at 1620 Sunflower Avenue spans 38,202 square feet and will serve as both headquarters and an Engineering Center, focusing on cabin interior solutions for the North American market. Despite a decrease in local employment, Safran holds a strong position in the aerospace sector with substantial financial growth reports. This move aligns with the broader development trend in Orange County’s aerospace and defense industries.
Costa Mesa – Safran Cabin, a Paris-based leader in commercial aircraft interiors, is set to relocate its U.S. headquarters from Huntington Beach to Costa Mesa, effective September 2. The decision follows the expiration of the lease at their current location on Bolsa Avenue in Huntington Beach.
The new headquarters will be situated at 1620 Sunflower Avenue in Costa Mesa, within the Sunflower Corporate Center. This facility spans 38,202 square feet and is reported to be unoccupied by any other tenants. The site was constructed in 1986 and is owned by SFHY Enterprises LLC, based in Fountain Valley.
Safran Cabin will vacate its existing office by the end of the month. The Costa Mesa location will function as both their headquarters and a dedicated Engineering Center. This new center will focus on the development, design, and certification of cabin interior solutions specifically targeted for the North American market.
Currently, Safran Cabin employs 1,517 people in Orange County, marking a 12% decrease from the previous year. Despite this downturn, the company maintains a robust standing in the local aerospace and defense sector, ranking fifth on the Business Journal’s annual list of such companies.
Part of the larger Safran Group, which comprises 11 subsidiaries and was founded in 2005, Safran Cabin specializes in manufacturing and supplying essential aircraft interiors, including seats, lavatories, and overhead bins. Leadership within Safran Cabin is spearheaded by CEO Jorge Ortega.
Financial performance for the Safran Group has been impressive, with the company reporting a first-half revenue of 14.9 billion Euros (approximately $17 billion) in 2023, reflecting a 13% year-on-year growth. The aircraft interiors division alone has seen substantial improvements, with operating income nearly tripling to 27 million Euros. Other units within the group, such as propulsion and equipment & defense, also reported significant revenues of 1.8 billion Euros and 703 million Euros, respectively.
As of the most recent earnings call, Safran’s recurring operating income stood at 2.5 billion Euros ($2.9 billion). The company’s stock has surged by approximately 50% over the past three months, leading to a market capitalization near 120 billion Euros.
This relocation marks a notable step amid a broader growth trend within the aerospace and defense sectors in Orange County, where total employment in these industries has risen by 8.4%, reaching 22,589. Southern California’s vibrant aerospace and defense market is characterized by innovation and the emergence of new companies, reinforcing the region’s role as a key player in these industries.
In summary, Safran Cabin’s move to Costa Mesa not only reflects its growth ambitions but also aligns with the overall development trajectory of the aerospace and defense sectors locally. As the company embarks on this new chapter, it is poised to enhance its contributions to the industry’s evolution in North America.
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Additional Resources
- Orange County Business Journal: Safran Cabin Relocates U.S. HQ to Costa Mesa
- Wikipedia: Aerospace Industry
- Orange County Business Journal: Defense & Aerospace Sectors Take Off with 8.4% Growth
- Google Search: Safran Cabin
- Safran Group: Safran’s Strong Presence in Golden State
- Google Scholar: Safran Cabin Relocation
- Safran Group: Safran Electronics & Defense Avionics Celebrates 30th Anniversary
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Aerospace
- Safran Group: Safran USA Employee Spotlight
- Google News: Safran Cabin
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER
COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
