TOKYO, Nov. 16, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing [NYSE:
BA] has signed a memorandum of agreement with leading composite
supplier Toray Industries to expand its current contract for the
Boeing 787 Dreamliner to include the 777X wings. Once finalized,
the long-term contract extension will take effect in 2015 and meet
Boeing's customer affordability goals through the Partnering for
Success program.
The addition of the 777X to the current 787 contract represents
a significant increase in the material provided to Boeing by Toray.
Boeing and Toray will also collaborate to improve commercialization
of composites in the aerospace market. Specific areas the companies
will address include increased consistency and performance of
composites across the production system and a cost structure that
is more competitive with metals.
"This partnership is a great example of why Toray is the market
leader in composite materials," said John
Tracy, Boeing chief technology officer and senior vice
president for Engineering, Operations & Technology. "Their
understanding of the technology is outstanding, but they also know
there is much more we can do with composites in aerospace if we
work together to improve the performance, processing and economics.
Toray is working with us on that and we are happy to expand their
work statement to include the 777X."
Boeing and Toray pioneered the use of prepreg composites – a
combination of high-strength carbon fiber and toughened epoxy resin
– in the 1970s. By 1994, assemblies including the empennage and
floor beams were being produced for the 777 program, the first
commercial airplane featuring structurally significant composite
parts. That early success culminated in the launch of the 787 in
2004, the world's first largely composite commercial airplane.
"We believe that this agreement signifies the solid mutual trust
Toray has been building with Boeing through the stable supply of
high quality carbon fiber materials since the 1970s," said Akihiro
Nikkaku, president, Toray Industries. "It also reflects Boeing's
recognition of our world-class technology and firm commitments to
expanding composites application to aircraft. Going forward, Toray
will continue to duly enhance its supply capacity in line with the
production increases planned by
Boeing."
"Boeing has partnered with the Japanese aerospace industry for
nearly five decades," said George
Maffeo, president, Boeing Japan. "Their work encompasses the
development and introduction of all current Boeing programs: the
Next-Generation 737, 737 MAX, 747, 767, 777 and 787 Dreamliner. The
consistent performance of our Japanese partners and their enduring
effort and dedication, as exemplified today by Toray, has helped
Boeing achieve tremendous success with our products. We
couldn't be more delighted to continue that legacy with the
777X."
With this agreement, Boeing will have contracts in place for
more than 75 percent of the major structural material for the 777X.
The wingspan of the 777X measures 71.7 meters (235.4 feet), 6.95
meters (22.8 feet) longer than the span of today's 777-300ER. Its
raked wingtip and optimized span will deliver greater efficiency
and significant fuel savings while being compatible with today's
airport gates. The 777X wings will be manufactured at Boeing's
Everett, Wash., site.
In 2013, Boeing spent more than $4
billion on goods and services in Japan. Including this
agreement for the 777X composite wing, Boeing expects to purchase
an additional $36 billion of goods
and services locally by the end of the decade, supporting tens of
thousands of aerospace jobs.
Contact:
Rob Henderson
Boeing Japan Communications
+81 (3) 5223 2051
robert.j.henderson3@boeing.com
Larry Wilson
Boeing Supplier Management Communications
+1 425 717 9895
lawrence.r.wilson2@boeing.com
SOURCE Boeing