A320-

US-based Ducommun has entered into a long-term agreement with Alenia Aermacchi, a division of Italy’s Finmeccanica, to manufacture various fuselage skins for medium-range Airbus A321 airliner.

The first contract under the agreement will be carried out until 2016.

Ducommun AeroStructures is manufacturing the aluminium fuselage skins at its facilities in Gardena and Orange in California, which specialises in the assembly, forming, machining and chemical milling of large aircraft structures.

Ducommun chairman, president and chief executive officer Anthony Reardon said that the A321 was a new platform for Ducommun, and this long-term agreement significantly expands its partnership with Alenia Aermacchi.

"As our first major contract for an Airbus single-aisle aircraft, this is a great opportunity for us to showcase our technology and production expertise as we look to expand sales across the A320 family," he said.

"We look forward to working with Alenia Aermacchi and strengthening our relationship with Airbus for many years to come," Reardon said.

"The A321 will feature a stretched fuselage and have an extended operating range of up to 3,000nm and can accommodate up to 185 passengers."

The A321, which is designated as the largest aircraft in the A320 line, will feature a stretched fuselage and have an extended operating range of up to 3,000nm and can accommodate up to 185 passengers.

Powered by two International Aero Engines V2530-A5 or two CFM International CFM-56-5B1 engines, the aircraft generates a thrust of 133.4kN to 139.7kN and provides a maximum cruising speed of 903kmph and a range of 5,950km.

Ducommun is a supplier of critical components and assemblies for commercial aircraft and military and space vehicles, as well as for the energy market, medical field, and industrial automation.

Image: The A321 is the largest aircraft in the A320 family. Photo: courtesy of Airbus SAS.

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