NEW YORK & BEIJING–Alcoa (NYSE:AA) and Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China Ltd.
(COMAC) today announced they are jointly exploring leading technology
solutions for the design and development of China’s new, large passenger
jet, the C919. Through a technology cooperation agreement, the two
companies are examining advanced aluminum structural concepts, designs
and alloys to create the 190-seat aircraft.
“We are working closely with COMAC to develop a tailored solution that
will meet COMAC’s goal of creating a globally competitive,
high-performance, economical commercial airliner,” said Helmut Wieser,
Alcoa Executive Vice-President and Group President Global Rolled
Products and Asia.
The aircraft will be assembled in Shanghai, but will source parts and
components globally.
“The C919 will be the largest passenger jet to be produced in China. Our
goal is to design an efficient, high-performance structure that will
compete in the global aerospace market. Therefore, it is imperative that
we look at design alternatives and collaborate with innovative materials
technology leaders like Alcoa,” said Wu Guanghui, chief designer of the
C919 program and vice president of COMAC.
A prototype of the C919 was displayed at the Asian Aerospace
International Expo and Congress in Hong Kong last month. There is strong
market interest for this aircraft based on China’s expected long term
growth in global passenger traffic demand. The C919 is expected to take
its first flight in 2014 and enter service in 2016.
Alcoa has 15 locations throughout China. Offices and plants are located
in Beijing, Shanghai, Qinhuangdao, Kunshan, Suzhou, Guangzhou and Hong
Kong. Alcoa’s advanced alloys and materials are used on China’s first
home-produced regional jet, the ARJ21-700. To learn more about Alcoa’s
aerospace activities and capabilities visit http://www.alcoa.com/aerospace
About Alcoa
Alcoa is the world leader in the production and management of primary
aluminum, fabricated aluminum and alumina combined, through its active
and growing participation in all major aspects of the industry. Alcoa
serves the aerospace, automotive, packaging, building and construction,
commercial transportation and industrial markets, bringing design,
engineering, production and other capabilities of Alcoa’s businesses to
customers. In addition to aluminum products and components including
flat-rolled products, hard alloy extrusions, and forgings, Alcoa also
markets Alcoa® wheels, fastening systems, precision and investment
castings, and building systems. The Company has been named one of the
top most sustainable corporations in the world at the World Economic
Forum in Davos, Switzerland and has been a member of the Dow Jones
Sustainability Index for eight consecutive years. Alcoa employs
approximately 63,000 people in 31 countries across the world. More
information can be found at www.alcoa.com