Howmet Aerospace believes that a strong independent Board is critical. A majority of directors must be "independent" under the listing standards of the New York Stock Exchange and the Board's own Director Independence Standards, as determined by the Board of Directors. Audit Committee Members must meet additional independence criteria established under SEC rules. Board independence depends not only on directors' individual relationships, but also on the Board's overall attitude. Providing objective, independent judgment is at the core of the Board's oversight function, and the Board's composition should reflect this principle.