Airbus and Russian material supplier VSMPO reinforce partnership

Airbus and Russian material supplier VSMPO reinforce partnership

22 June 2001

Airbus has signed an additional long-term contract with Verkhnaya Salda Metallurgical Production Association (VSMPO), for the supply of semi-finished products in titanium alloys (flat and round rolled products) used for the production of Airbus airframes. In addition both compies have agreed to continue joint work on the development of new materials (titanium and aluminium alloys) for applications in aviation.

VSMPO is the major supplier of titanium for Airbus. The strategic partnership between the two companies has been constantly reinforced not only with increased titanium supply by the Russian producer but also the inclusion of semi-finished products including higher added value.

With outstanding deliveries of over 1,630 at end-May 2001, Airbus has the largest backlog of the aircraft manufacturing industry in the world. Production rates have increased sharply over the last few years both for single-aisle and widebody long-range programmes. Since 1998, monthly production rates for the A320 Family have increased by 60 per cent and by 2003 will have doubled to 30 aircraft a month. Between 2000 and 2003, production rates for the A330/A340 Family will also grow by 60 per cent, from five to eight aircraft a month.

In addition the product line has been expanded with the A380 superjumbo, which in less than a year following its commercial launch, has attracted 67 firm commitments plus options from major airlines and customers worldwide. Production of the superjumbo will start in 2003 with entry into service of this all-new aircraft in 2006.


REF XQQEE XQQCR

DSD