SAO PAULO, Brazil–Embraer S.A. and Alcoa today announced they have signed a new technology
sharing agreement that will utilize Alcoa’s proprietary aluminum alloys,
advanced design and manufacturing techniques, and its fastener
technologies to support Embraer’s development of new high-performance
metallic fuselage and wing solutions for its family of aircraft.
Embraer S.A. is the world’s largest manufacturer of commercial jets up
to 120 seats, and one of Brazil’s leading exporters. Alcoa is the
leading supplier of aluminum sheet, plate, extrusions and forgings, and
fasteners to Embraer and the aerospace industry. The new agreement will
leverage Alcoa’s 100 years of aerospace technology experience and latest
technology innovations to help Embraer develop high-performance aluminum
aircraft using the newest aluminum products including aluminum and
aluminum lithium alloys; advanced design approaches and structural
technologies; and the latest fastener and joining technologies.
In June of this year, Alcoa launched a number of new aerospace solutions
including new proprietary alloys and advanced structural technologies
that will lower the weight, cost and maintenance of new aircraft,
compared to composites. Following that launch, Alcoa secured major new
supply agreements with airframers.
“Embraer is known for developing high-performance aircraft and we are
pleased to have Alcoa join us to work on developing the next phase of
solutions that will take performance to an even higher level for our
customers,” said Jorge Ramos – Vice President, Embraer Technology
Development.
“Alcoa’s history of developing aerospace solutions dates more than 100
years to Kitty Hawk,” said Franklin Feder – President, Alcoa Latin
America and Caribbean. “We look forward to building upon our latest
metallic technology solutions to help Embraer build the best planes
possible.”
Embraer S.A. is the world’s largest manufacturer of commercial jets up
to 120 seats, and one of Brazil’s leading exporters. A global company
founded in 1969, Embraer designs, develops, manufactures and sells
aircraft and systems for the commercial aviation, executive aviation,
and defense and security segments. It also provides after-sales support
and services to customers worldwide. On Sept. 30, 2011, Embraer had a
workforce of 17,204 employees – not counting the employees of its
partially owned subsidiaries – and its firm order backlog totaled $16
billion (U.S. dollars).
Alcoa’s aerospace business comprises 4 units with operations across the
world totaling approximately $3 billion in revenues and #1 share
positions in their markets: Alcoa Global Rolled Products and Alcoa
Forgings and Extrusions serving the structures market; Alcoa Fastening
Systems; and Alcoa Power and Propulsion. Alcoa’s aerospace solutions run
from nose to tail and from wing-tip to wing-tip. Alcoa has been at the
forefront of every major milestone in aerospace history based on its
commitment to continually innovate and a “beyond materials” philosophy –
where materials, structures, and designs work in concert to provide
optimal solutions for customers.