777

Alcoa will supply landing gear and other aerospace parts for Boeing’s commercial planes 777X, 737 Max and 787 Dreamliner.

Boeing selected the lightweight metals company to supply advanced titanium landing gear parts and titanium nacelle fittings for the 737 Max, aluminum-lithium extrusion for the 777X cargo floor, and large, near net shaped parts.

Titanium parts and fittings are made using specialised presses owned by Alcoa with the acquisition of Firth Rixson in November 2014.

The Firth Rixson acquisition transformed Alcoa into a multi-material enterprise by expanding its portfolio of nickel-based superalloys, titanium, stainless steel and aluminum alloys.

Aluminum lithium extrusion will be produced at Alcoa’s Lafayette facility, Indiana, which was opened in October 2014. It will be the first aluminum lithium extrusion to be used by Boeing and will enhance corrosion resistance of the aircraft.

"This is the latest in a series of Boeing contract wins made possible by Alcoa’s recent aerospace investments."

Alcoa said it secured approximately $10bn in aerospace contracts since the start of 2015, including a long-term supply contract signed with Boeing in December for fastening systems and titanium seat track assemblies.

The metal maker is also the sole supplier of wing skins on all of Boeing’s metallic structure airplanes.

Alcoa chairman Klaus Kleinfeld said: "This is the latest in a series of Boeing contract wins made possible by Alcoa’s recent aerospace investments.

"Alcoa has successfully built a strong leadership position in this market and we are proud to see our home-grown innovations and new products create value for our customers."

The company recently signed a $1.5bn contract with GE Aviation for the supply of jet engine components, including advanced nickel-based superalloy, titanium and aluminum components.

Image: Alcoa will supply aluminum lithium extrusion for the 777X cargo floor. Photo: courtesy of Boeing.