AIRWARE(TM) technology by Alcan on the Airbus A350 XWB

PARIS, July 20 /CNW Telbec/ - 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.

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.

For further information: Rio Tinto Alcan Media Relations, Europe: Mina Bishop, Tel.: [phone], [email protected]; Rio Tinto Alcan Media Relations, Canada: Bryan Tucker, Tel.: [phone], [email protected]; Alcan Global ATI: Laura Berneri, Tel.: [phone], [email protected]; Website: www.riotintoalcan.com