Safran Passenger Innovations opens facility in Laramie, Wyoming
From left, Brad Enzi, president and CEO of the Laramie Chamber Business Alliance; Matt Smith, CEO of Safran Passenger Innovations; and University of Wyoming President Ed Seidel pause for a photo during a recent event marking a new collaboration among the three entities. (Credit: UW Photo)
Safran Passenger Innovations (SPI) has announced the grand opening of its new location in Laramie, Wyoming. In collaboration with the University of Wyoming and the Laramie Chamber Business Alliance (LCBA), SPI will be leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to optimize the passenger experience in aviation.
The partnership brings together SPI’s industry expertise with the University’s AI research capabilities. The goal is to develop innovative solutions to streamline supply chains, enhance traveler experiences in the air, and bring job opportunities to Laramie, Wyoming,
“This collaboration underscores our commitment to pushing the boundaries of aviation technology,” said Matt Smith, CEO of Safran Passenger Innovations. “By partnering with the University of Wyoming and LCBA, we gain access to world-class research and a supportive business environment that will help us create a more connected and enjoyable travel experience for passengers worldwide.”
UW President, Ed Seidel, also commented on the partnership: “We’re thrilled to be working with Safran Passenger Innovations and LCBA. This partnership allows us to apply our AI research to real-world industry challenges, ultimately benefiting travelers and the Wyoming economy. It also provides high-paying job opportunities for our graduates in computing and computer science, including our new master’s degree in AI.”
Safran Passenger Innovations employs 13 software engineers at its Laramie operation which is temporarily housed in UW’s Wyoming Technology Business Center. SPI plans to employ 72 software engineers by the end of 2025 and eventually grow that number to 200. The local group is led by Managing Director Gary Townsend.
“It is an exciting opportunity to work with a world-class company like Safran Passenger Innovations,” said Josh Dorrell, CEO, Wyoming Business Council. “This is truly a Team Wyoming effort that brings the university, Laramie Chamber Business Alliance and the state together to help create great jobs for Wyomingites. The Wyoming Business Council looks forward to helping Safran Passenger Innovations succeed in Laramie.”
Locating in Laramie provides opportunities locally and beyond for UW students, the press release noted.
“LCBA is excited to have Matt, Gary and Safran Passenger Innovations in Laramie. The partnership between industry, the university and our organization represents how local economic development can work with the university and a company to find unique solutions to meet a company’s needs,” said Brad Enzi, LCBA’s president and CEO.
