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.
SOURCE
