Air Liquide and ArianeGroup renew strategic industrial partnership with two major Ariane 6 contracts

Air Liquide and ArianeGroup renew strategic industrial partnership with two major Ariane 6 contracts

JOINT PRESS RELEASE
Paris, June 11, 2026

• ArianeGroup and Air Liquide sign two major new contracts for the operational phase of Ariane 6
• Agreements cover the supply of critical cryogenic equipment for the European heavy launcher as well as the supply of gases for its propulsion
• ArianeGroup retains key partner for industrial ramp-up of Ariane 6 production

As part of a long-standing industrial collaboration, Air Liquide and ArianeGroup have signed two major new contracts for the operational phase of Ariane 6, supporting the ramp-up of the European heavy launcher. These agreements cover the supply of critical cryogenic equipment for the manufacturing of the rocket, as well as the supply of gases required for its propulsion.

ArianeGroup, a French-German leader in space technology, is prime contractor for Ariane 6. Air Liquide is uniquely positioned across the entire space industry supply chain thanks to its dual expertise in both space cryogenic technologies and supply and management of gases and propellants for space applications, from the launch pad to the satellites.

A global leader in cryogenics for space, Air Liquide has supported the development of successive launcher generations in the Ariane program for more than 50 years, by developing innovative cryogenic technologies and providing comprehensive onboard solutions, including high-technology equipment, gases and related services. To date, Air Liquide has contributed to 268 Ariane flights. Air Liquide's expertise also extends to the ground infrastructure, having designed the fluid distribution systems of the new ELA4 launch pad complex at the Guiana Space Center.

Following the successful completion of its initial flights, ArianeGroup is currently increasing the Ariane 6 production rate. To support this industrialization phase, Air Liquide’s Engineering & Technologies will provide critical cryogenic equipment necessary for the manufacturing and propulsion of the rockets up to the 42nd flight of Ariane 6.

Concurrently, ArianeGroup and Air Liquide Spatial Guyane have renewed a gas supply agreement for an initial three-year term. This contract secures the delivery of propellants (liquid hydrogen and oxygen), essential to power the rocket’s ascent, alongside critical fluids (liquid and gaseous helium, liquid and gaseous nitrogen, and compressed air) needed to safely execute all ground operations, from satellite cooling to system inerting.

Anne Quillon, member of ArianeGroup’s Executive Committee and Chief Procurement Officer, said: “We are thrilled to continue our trusted partnership with Air Liquide. The two major contracts are another important contribution to the Ariane 6 production ramp-up. Together with our European industrial partners, we are fully mobilized to ensure a robust operational phase of Ariane 6 for institutional and commercial customers.”

Armelle Levieux, member of Air Liquide’s Executive Committee, notably supervising Innovation and Technology activities, stated: “These renewed contracts for the Ariane 6 launcher underscore Air Liquide’s leadership and 60-year expertise as a key enabler in the space supply chain. While securing the first flights of Ariane 6 was a crucial milestone, our core strength lies in our ability to accompany our long-standing partner on the ramp up of its activities. Driven by a pioneering spirit to continuously develop deep-tech solutions and collaborate on exploration efforts, we look forward to supporting landmark space missions across the world.”

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About Air Liquide

Oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen, and many other essential small molecules are the invisible pillars of our world and our lives. They have been at the core of the Group’s activities since its creation in 1902.

A world leader in gases, technologies and services for industry and healthcare, Air Liquide acts as the backbone of numerous economic sectors, serving 4.3 million customers and patients across 59 countries with approximately 65,000 employees. With revenues close to 27 billion euros in 2025, Air Liquide combines strong performance and useful growth.

The Group is a leader with a diversified, resilient business model and a strong local footprint across the globe. Through deep engineering expertise and technological innovation, Air Liquide provides scalable solutions that enhance industrial efficiency, accelerate decarbonization, and strengthen value chains. Strategically exposed to growth markets and megatrends, the Group accompanies major industrial and societal transformations to create long term added value and build a sustainable future.

Air Liquide is listed on the Euronext Paris stock exchange (compartment A) and belongs to the CAC 40, CAC 40 ESG, EURO STOXX 50, FTSE4Good, and Dow Jones Best-in-Class Europe Index indexes.

About ArianeGroup

ArianeGroup is an industrial company delivering critical missions for the space and defence sectors. With 8,700 highly qualified employees in France and Germany, ArianeGroup has unique expertise in access to space, covering the full spectrum of civil and military launch systems, including design, development, manufacturing, integration, flight preparation, operational readiness and end-of-life decommissioning. ArianeGroup is lead contractor for the Ariane 6 European launcher for the European Space Agency (ESA), and for the French oceanic deterrent force M51 strategic missile for the French Defence Armament Procurement Agency (DGA).

Internationally recognised for its innovative, competitive solutions, ArianeGroup has expertise in state-of-the-art technologies, from the chemistry of propellants and composite materials, to liquid, solid and electric space propulsion systems. ArianeGroup also offers a broad range of space, defence and industrial equipment and services, both individually and together with its subsidiaries Sodern, Pyroalliance, Nuclétudes and APP.

In the field of space launchers, ArianeGroup’s subsidiary Arianespace markets Ariane 6, and its subsidiary MaiaSpace develops and markets the reusable launcher Maia.

ArianeGroup, equally owned by Airbus and Safran, posted consolidated revenues of €2.6 billion in 2025.

Joint Press Release Air Liquide - ArianeGroup