Zodiac and Airbus Celebrate 40-Year Partnership

On Jul 21, 2014

Among its other products, Zodiac Aero Evacuation Systems in Wall manufactures emergency evacuation slides for aircraft – devices that must inflate in less than six seconds to permit passengers’ rapid and safe egress. At a recent event held at its facility, Zodiac celebrated its 40-year collaboration with Airbus Americas. 

Zodiac Aero Evacuation Systems (formerly known as Air Cruisers Company) first supplied product for Airbus’ A300 aircraft in 1974, and, today, Zodiac’s products are found on all of Airbus’ single-aisle aircraft, and even its newest plane, the A350 XWB.

Zodiac – through its 292 employees – annually delivers 420 emergency evacuation slides, 115 life rafts and over 1,500 major emergency evacuation slide components to Airbus in support of its Single Aisle Program (A319/A320/A321 aircraft).

At the event, John O’Donnell, president of Zodiac, said, “[Zodiac] is dedicated to the success of Airbus. The success we are celebrating today – and our continued partnership – is a result of the commitment of our employees to deliver our customers with outstanding product and outstanding service.”

Airbus’ Daniel Wenninger, Sr., director-A350 XWB US, told the audience, “Thank you for keeping our airplanes and our passengers safe. When Airbus looks for suppliers and business partners, we look for the best: The best quality, price, service and ongoing support, etc. More often than not, these products come from the United States. Some of the best minds, best engineers and production facilities are located here.”

He added, “Zodiac and Airbus have been – and will be – strong partners.”

Zodiac’s civil aviation products also include life rafts, life vests and helicopter emergency floatation equipment. Scott A. Ernst, vice president of human resources at Zodiac said, “There is no doubt that the engineering talent that we have been able to recruit in the state of New Jersey has been unsurpassed by any other state where we have operated.”

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