Bombardier chooses Alcan's AIRWARE(TM) technology for its CSeries aircraft program in the framework of a long-term agreement

PARIS, July 20 /PRNewswire/ - Alcan Global ATI and Bombardier, one of the world's largest aircraft manufacturers, have entered into a long-term agreement for the exclusive supply of AIRWARE(TM), Alcan's advanced aluminum-lithium alloy technology, to provide primary structure for the all-new CSeries aircraft. AIRWARE(TM) will comprise more than 20% of all materials used in the CSeries aircraft.

AIRWARE(TM) technology, which is based on the mastering of low density alloys, has helped Bombardier develop a high-strength, light, metallic fuselage by combining sheets and extrusions to manufacture fuselage skins, stringers, frames and floor beams. This contributes to significant improvements in aircraft operating costs, fuel consumption and emissions reduction.

"With AIRWARE(TM), we pave the way for a revolutionary utilization of aluminum-based technologies to design lighter, greener aircraft, whilst ensuring the highest level of reliability, which is a key requirement in the aerospace industry," said Christophe Villemin, Alcan Global ATI President. "Thanks to collaborative research and development, initiated with Bombardier in 2007, Alcan has been chosen as an exclusive supplier of AIRWARE(TM) for the CSeries aircraft program," continued Villemin.

Bombardier's single-aisle CSeries aircraft, which is designed for the 100- to 149-seat market segment, is expected to offer a 15* per cent cash operating cost advantage over current in-production aircraft. Advanced materials will contribute to the CSeries aircraft's 20% fuel consumption advantage and reduced CO2 emissions.

AIRWARE(TM)'s low density, exceptional mechanical properties and inherent electrical conductivity allows significant weight reductions compared to competing materials. In addition, AIRWARE(TM)'s unparalleled corrosion resistance, strength and behaviour predictability will all contribute to easy maintenance of CSeries aircraft.

In line with Alcan and Bombardier's commitment to sustainability, AIRWARE(TM) material removed during machining can be infinitely recycled into new aircraft parts, as can all AIRWARE(TM) components when an aircraft reaches the end of its commercial life.

"This long-term agreement demonstrates Alcan's leadership and commitment to provide the aerospace industry with step-change turnkey solutions to reach ever more challenging economic and environmental objectives," concluded Villemin.

About Alcan Global ATI

Alcan Global ATI employs approximately 3 500 people and has manufacturing plants in Europe and North America. A world leader in the production of aerospace plates, Alcan Global ATI provides its customers with its entire portfolio of advanced lightweight aluminium solutions. Thanks to its global R&D, manufacturing and commercial reach, Alcan Global ATI is able to build long-term supply and innovative technology partnerships with major aerospace leaders.

About Alcan Engineered Products

Alcan Engineered Products is a global sector-leader strongly committed to developing innovative, value added aluminum products for a broad range of civil and defense markets and applications, including aerospace, mass transportation, automotive, packaging, energy and building. With around 11 000 employees located in 27 countries and a commercial presence in more than 60 markets across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Americas and the Asia-Pacific region, Alcan Engineered Products is organized around businesses dedicated to performance materials in the areas of aluminum rolled products, extrusions and automotive structures, aluminum cable and international trade. Alcan Engineered Products is headquartered in Paris, France.

About Rio Tinto

Rio Tinto is a leading international mining group headquartered in the UK, combining Rio Tinto plc, a London and NYSE listed company, and Rio Tinto Limited, which is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange.

Rio Tinto's business is finding, mining, and processing mineral resources. Major products are aluminium, copper, diamonds, energy (coal and uranium), gold, industrial minerals (borax, titanium dioxide, salt, talc) and iron ore. Activities span the world but are strongly represented in Australia and North America with significant businesses in South America, Asia, Europe and southern Africa.

CSeries is a trademark of Bombardier Inc. or its subsidiaries.

    * The CSeries aircraft is in the design phase. All data and
        specifications are estimates, subject to change in family strategy,
        branding, capacity, performance during the course of the design,
        manufacture and certification process. Performance has been estimated
        based on a 500-nm North American operating environment.

SOURCE RIO TINTO ALCAN - EN