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. Safran Passenger Innovations employs 13 software engineers at
its Laramie operation -- temporarily housed in UW’s Wyoming Technology Business Center
-- with plans to employ 72 by the end of 2025 and eventually grow to 200. (UW Photo)
Safran Passenger Innovations, a leading provider of in-flight entertainment and connectivity
solutions, is collaborating with the University of Wyoming and the Laramie Chamber
Business Alliance (LCBA) to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) to optimize the
aviation passenger experience.
“This collaboration underscores our commitment to pushing the boundaries of aviation
technology,” says 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.”
This partnership brings together Safran Passenger Innovations’ industry expertise
with UW’s cutting-edge AI research capabilities and LCBA’s commitment to fostering
economic growth in Laramie. The goal is to develop innovative solutions to streamline
supply chains, enhance traveler experiences in the air and bring more jobs to Laramie.
“We’re thrilled to be working with Safran Passenger Innovations and LCBA,” UW President
Ed Seidel says. “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.”
Already, Safran Passenger Innovations employs 13 software engineers at its Laramie
operation -- temporarily housed in UW’s Wyoming Technology Business Center -- with
plans to employ 72 by the end of 2025 and eventually grow 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,” says Wyoming Business Council CEO Josh Dorrell. “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. LCBA
knows that Safran Passenger Innovations’ commitment to the partnership with the university
and the city of Laramie will serve to grow the community and economy through innovation
and partnership. This collaboration highlights the power of partnerships among industry,
academia and economic development organizations to drive innovation and growth.
Riverton native Smith is an alumnus of UW’s College of Engineering and Physical Sciences,
where he earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in electrical engineering.
“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,” says Brad Enzi, LCBA’s president and CEO.
Impact on Airlines and Travelers
This collaboration aims to revolutionize the passenger experience while driving efficiency
for airlines. By leveraging AI’s potential, Safran, UW and LCBA envision a future
where delays are reduced, personalization in flight reaches new heights and aircraft
operations are optimized. Passengers can anticipate a smoother, more tailored travel
journey while airlines benefit from improved predictability and cost-effectiveness.
Matt Smith, CEO of Safran Passenger Innovations, speaks during a recent event
at the University of Wyoming. Smith, a Riverton native, is an alumnus of UW’s College
of Engineering and Physical Sciences, where he earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees
in electrical engineering. (UW Photo)
Research and Development
At the core of this collaboration lies a commitment to cutting-edge AI research and
development. Safran’s deep industry knowledge, combined with UW’s AI expertise and
LCBA’s support, will fuel the exploration of innovative solutions. The focus will
be on developing AI models that enhance predictability and streamline operations in
both the aviation and energy sectors. This interdisciplinary collaboration has the
potential to produce breakthroughs with far-reaching applications.
Local Benefits
The partnership among LCBA, Safran Passenger Innovations and UW stands to be a significant
boon for the Laramie community and the state of Wyoming. The creation of new jobs
and the attraction of top tech talent will bolster the local economy. This project
also presents invaluable opportunities for UW students to gain real-world experience
by working alongside industry leaders in AI development, enriching Wyoming’s workforce
for the future.
Wyoming Growth
The Safran Passenger Innovations-LCBA-UW partnership marks a significant step forward
for Wyoming’s evolution as a hub of aerospace innovation. The expansion of Safran’s
presence in Laramie promises job creation and economic growth for the state. Through
the Wyoming Innovation Partnership, UW’s School of Computing is working with the state’s
community colleges to create degree programs in software development to boost the
state’s technology workforce. By fostering a collaborative environment among business,
academia and economic development organizations, Wyoming positions itself at the forefront
of technological advancement.
About the Laramie Chamber Business Alliance
LCBA is a driving force for economic development in Laramie. The organization promotes
business growth, advocates for a favorable business climate and facilitates partnerships
that bring innovation and jobs to the community. LCBA’s key involvement in this project
demonstrates its proactive approach to creating new economic opportunities in Laramie.
About the University of Wyoming
UW is a nationally recognized land-grant research institution with expert faculty,
top-notch facilities and world-class research. Located in Laramie, UW provides an
environment focused on teaching, research and service. The university’s Office of
Industry and Strategic Partnerships, a collaborative venture between UW’s Research
and Economic Development Division and the UW Foundation, works to establish dynamic
alliances between academia and industry that will foster innovation and economic impact
throughout the state and beyond.
About Safran Passenger Innovations
Safran Passenger Innovations creates innovative in-flight entertainment and connectivity
systems using the latest in consumer and avionics technology to provide best-in-class
hardware, software and services for a premium, connected flying experience. For more
information, visit www.safran-passenger-innovations.com.
