Alcoa (AA) to Expand Aluminum Lithium Capacity at Three Locations
Alcoa (NYSE: AA) today announced it is expanding its aluminum lithium capacity and capabilities at three locations around the world to meet growing demand in the aerospace market for its newest alloys. The alloys, introduced last year and now patented, allow airframers to build dramatically lighter and lower-cost airplanes vs. composite alternatives.
The new alloys provide the best strength-to-weight performance in Alcoa’s aerospace alloy portfolio combined with better stiffness and corrosion resistance. The alloys are used in extrusions, forgings, sheet and plate applications across aircraft structures, including airplane wings and fuselage elements. The expansions follow discussions with airframers subsequent to the launch of the alloys last year.
Alcoa is also expanding production at two other locations as a result of customer demand:
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The new alloys provide the best strength-to-weight performance in Alcoa’s aerospace alloy portfolio combined with better stiffness and corrosion resistance. The alloys are used in extrusions, forgings, sheet and plate applications across aircraft structures, including airplane wings and fuselage elements. The expansions follow discussions with airframers subsequent to the launch of the alloys last year.
Alcoa is also expanding production at two other locations as a result of customer demand:
- Alcoa’s Technology Center in Alcoa Center, PA near Upper Burrell, PA where aluminum lithium capacity is being expanded 30 percent; and
- Alcoa’s Kitts Green plant in the United Kingdom where upgrades are underway that will create additional casting capacity.
- lower the weight of the plane by up to 10% vs. composite-intensive planes;
- lower the cost to manufacture, operate and repair planes by up to 30% vs. composite-intensive planes, and at significantly lower production risk;
- allow for a 12% increase in fuel efficiency, on top of the 15% from new engines; and
- deliver passenger comfort features equivalent to composite-intensive planes, such as higher cabin pressure, large windows and higher humidity.
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