Boeing has agreed a long-term contract with the Russian metals specialist VSMPO-Avisma covering the supply of titanium products for commercial aircraft.
The US airframer says the pact also includes a collaboration to increase use of the Ural Boeing Manufacturing joint venture, located in Russia, and hike research investment to support development of new alloys.
VSMPO-Avisma will remain the largest titanium supplier for current and future Boeing commercial aircraft as a result of the deal, signed during the Dubai air show.
The two sides will also look at the potential to expand the Russian firm’s role beyond raw material and forging for titanium components.
“It means confidence in our titanium products and recognition of their high quality,” says VSMPO-Avisma chief Dmitry Osipov.
“Stable long-term relationships with Boeing enable [us] to focus on expanding our investment programme and developing our production capacity.”
Boeing aircraft on which the Russian firm’s components are fitted include the 777X and 777, plus the 787, 767 and 737. Boeing Commercial Airplanes chief Stan Deal says the Russian company has been a “reliable and valuable partner” for nearly a quarter of a century.
