Solvay and Mubadala to produce composite structures for Boeing 777X aircraft

Solvay and Mubadala Development Company, the Abu Dhabi-based investment and development company, have formed a new joint venture that will deliver advanced composite materials for the empennage and floor beams of Boeing’s new 777X program.
 
Solvay and Mubadala are creating a 50:50 joint venture to supply carbon fibre pre-impregnated (prepreg) composite materials to support the 777X needs. The new company will be located in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and is expected to be operational by 2021.
The announcement, made on July 11, 2016 at the 50th edition of the Farnborough International Airshow, the UK, follows the strategic partnership both companies established in 2013 to reinforce the development of the Abu Dhabi aerospace industry and to strengthen the creation of prepreg manufacturing capabilities.
   
“After close collaboration with Mubadala and Solvay to expand the supply of aerospace composites, Boeing is pleased to be the first customer for their new joint venture in the UAE. Our commitment to purchase this prepreg material for the 777X meets several important goals for Boeing, from further advancing aerospace industry development in the UAE to expanding high-quality materials in our supply chain,” said Ray Conner, president and CEO, Boeing Commercial Airplanes.
 
Mubadala will create the JV through its advanced aerostructures company, Strata Manufacturing. Located in Abu Dhabi's capital of Al Ain, the JV will promote the establishment of a sustainable aerospace industry.
 
Solvay's prepreg-technology, consisting of fibre reinforcements pre-impregnated with a resin matrix used in creating a composite part, provides exceptional performance at lower weight compared to metal structures. The composite content of next-generation aircraft continues to grow as manufacturers of large commercial aircraft like Boeing's 777X aim to reduce weight, improve fuel efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions. 
 
“Solvay's teaming up with Mubadala in this essential project in support of Boeing's growth plans showcases our capabilities in advanced aerospace composite technologies, including primary structure applications,” said Jean-Pierre Clamadieu, CEO of Solvay.