Snecma (Safran) and RTI International Metals, Inc. announced today that they have signed a long-term agreement under which RTI will provide titanium aluminide alloy (TiAl) material for the new CFM International* LEAP engine. The LEAP – Leading Edge Aviation Propulsion – engine was launched by CFM International in 2008, to power the next generation of single-aisle commercial jets.

RTI will be a major supplier of Snecma's TiAl requirements for the production of LEAP engine low-pressure turbine blades, for which mass production is starting from 2016.

“Our selection of RTI, who is known for providing innovative and reliable titanium alloy solutions, is a result of our close and ongoing collaboration,” said Etienne Galan, Purchasing Vice President at Snecma. “We are very pleased to welcome RTI to our supplier partner team which is committed to meeting the challenge of producing the technologically-advanced LEAP engine at the same record production rates as it predecessor, the CFM56, with 1,800 expected to be produced in 2019.”

“We're delighted to be selected by Snecma as a key long-term supply partner for their most advanced, single-aisle commercial jet engine,” Dawne Hickton, Vice Chair, President and CEO of RTI, said. “Industrializing the TiAl alloy has been an area of focus of RTI's Advanced Innovation and Technology team for a number of years. Through these efforts, and effective collaboration with the team at Snecma, we're excited for the LEAP engine to be this innovative material's launch platform. We look forward to partnering with Snecma and other members of their supply-chain team to provide the operational efficiencies promised by the LEAP engine. Depending on the ultimate number and timing of aircraft and engine deliveries, RTI anticipates total revenues in excess of $100 million.”

The TiAl alloy is a new-generation material with outstanding qualities. Able to withstand very high temperatures, its use will substantially reduce the weight of a low-pressure turbine blade compared with nickel-based alloy materials traditionally used in their production. As part of the new LEAP engine, this alloy will be used for the first time on a single-aisle commercial jet. It will contribute to the excellent performance of this new engine, which offers 15% lower fuel consumption than the most efficient engines now in service.