Veteran aerospace executive to lead North American support and services operations
Trice Smith is all set to join Safran Helicopter Engines as Vice President, Support & Services – North America, as the company continues to expand customer support and aftermarket services across the region.
In his new role, Smith will oversee the operations of Safran Helicopter Engines USA Inc. and Safran Helicopter Engines Canada Inc. He will also serve as President and Chief Executive Officer of Safran Helicopter Engines USA Inc., while assuming the positions of Director and Chairman of the Board of Safran Helicopter Engines Canada Inc.
Smith brings more than three decades of aerospace industry experience, having held senior leadership positions across engineering, programme management, sales, operations and supply chain management. Throughout his career, he has led complex industrial organisations while driving operational efficiency and business growth across multiple aerospace sectors.
A member of the Safran Group since 2011, Smith has held several key leadership roles within the company. He was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Safran Electronics & Defense, Avionics USA in 2016 before taking over as President and CEO of Safran Seats USA in 2023, where he led one of the company’s largest North American business units.
Based in Grand Prairie, Texas, Smith will now be responsible for leading Safran Helicopter Engines’ customer support, maintenance services and aftermarket operations throughout North America, while strengthening relationships with operators, OEMs and industry partners.
Established in 1980, Safran Helicopter Engines USA supports more than 400 customers and a fleet of approximately 3,200 helicopter engines operating across the United States.
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The appointment underscores Safran Helicopter Engines’ continued focus on strengthening its aftermarket and customer support capabilities in North America, one of the world’s largest helicopter maintenance markets. As operators increasingly prioritise engine availability, predictive maintenance and lifecycle support, experienced leadership has become critical to delivering responsive and efficient aftermarket services.
With extensive expertise spanning engineering, operations and supply chain management, Smith is expected to play a key role in enhancing service delivery, expanding technical support capabilities and reinforcing Safran’s regional MRO network. The leadership transition also reflects the growing strategic importance of integrated engine support solutions as helicopter fleets continue to expand across commercial, offshore, emergency medical services, defence and law enforcement sectors.
