Alcan Global Aerospace Transportation and Industry (Alcan Global ATI), part of Alcan Engineered Products - a business unit of Rio Tinto, announces that it has signed a contract agreement with Airbus through to 2020 to supply AIRWARE(TM), aluminum-based technology, for the A350 XWB. Contract specific terms were not disclosed.

AIRWARE(TM) is a comprehensive offer of complementary Low Density Alloys (aluminum-lithium), best suited to feature in all parts of the aircraft primary structure.

In the framework of the contract, AIRWARE(TM) 2050 plate and forging stock will be used in the manufacturing of critical parts of the internal wing structure contributing to reach significant weight savings and reducing the corrosion impact on aircraft parts. AIRWARE(TM) has also been chosen to produce fuselage parts.

Manufactured both at Alcan Global Aerospace facilities in Issoire, France and Ravenswood, USA, AIRWARE(TM) is the demonstration of the company's commitment to supply the aerospace industry with the most performing technologies enabling aircraft manufacturers to fulfil their objectives in terms of fuel consumption, payload and range.

"One of our key drivers in developing AIRWARE(TM) was to bring to market a comprehensive technological solution providing our customer with an effective and innovative response to its main engineering challenges," said Christophe Villemin, Alcan Global Aerospace President.

Leveraging aluminum recyclability without property loss, Alcan and Airbus have also engaged into a full recycling program committing to reclaim a significant proportion of the aluminium chips (i.e. "swarf") generated during manufacturing. This recycling solution is a clear value add to the overall supply chain. It demonstrates both companies' commitment to reducing environmental impact and makes AIRWARE(TM) a material of choice for the aerospace industry.