Alcan Contributes To Success Of Airbus A380 through Innovative Aerospace Solutions

Montreal, Canada — Alcan Inc. announced today that it will be presenting significant product innovations for the aerospace industry at the 46th International Paris Airshow, LE BOURGET, from June 13-19 in Paris, France. Among its aerospace business' most recent innovations is a wide range of alloys for the Airbus A380, for which the company is a major supplier.

"The new Airbus A380 is a prime example of our focus on customers. It demonstrates how close relationships and continuous dialogue with our customers contribute to our mutual success. We are proud to be part of the A380 launch," said Michel Jacques, Chief Executive Officer and President, Alcan Engineered Products.

Over the next twenty years, annual average growth rates for passenger and freight traffic are anticipated to grow by 5 percent and 6 percent respectively. The new Airbus A380 is an important answer to this significant increase in demand. As the world's largest civilian aircraft, the A380 uses 10 times more aluminium than conventional single-aisle planes and 3 times the amount used in current wide-body aircrafts. It has a wingspan of 78.5 metres, an empty mass of 300 tonnes and a capacity of 555 passengers.

To answer the exceptional technological challenges posed by its construction, Airbus and the Alcan Aerospace development teams have co-operated closely, drawing on the Alcan's world-class Research and Development Centre in Voreppe, France.

Alloys with customized properties were designed by Alcan to meet the needs of many novel components of the Airbus A380. A weight reduction of 10 percent per aircraft was achieved by combining innovative alloys, Alcan's unique manufacturing capabilities for extra-large products and new joining techniques. Alcan estimates that this weight reduction will save 90,000 tonnes of aviation fuel during the lifetime of one aircraft, representing a reduction of 300,000 tonnes of Greenhouse gas emissions.

For the next generation of passenger aircraft, a further weight reduction of 20 percent is already targeted. Using its technological expertise and in close co-operation with its customers, Alcan will make a significant contribution towards this goal.

Alcan is a multinational, market-driven company and a global leader in aluminum and packaging, as well as aluminum recycling. With world-class operations in primary aluminum, fabricated aluminum as well as flexible and specialty packaging, aerospace applications, bauxite mining and alumina processing, today's Alcan is well positioned to meet and exceed its customers' needs for innovative solutions and service. Alcan employs 70,000 people and has operating facilities in 55 countries and regions.

Source: Alcan Inc.