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Advantages of building aircraft structures with composites, compared to metal, include light weight, high specific strength, superior fatigue properties, damage tolerance and the absence of corrosion. In the 1950s, Boeing began using fiberglass in its 707 passenger jets, and at the time the material made up about 2% of the overall aircraft by weight. Since then, Boeing, Airbus and other aircraft manufacturers have continued to increase this percentage with successive aircraft models. Today’s twin-aisle commercial aircraft such as the Boeing 787, first launched in 2009, and the Airbus A350 comprise approximately 50% composites by weight, largely carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP).

The agreement covers all Airbus families, including the A220, A320, A330 and A350. Joint creation of a sustainability fund fosters industry decarbonization solutions.

Lufthansa becomes the first airline in Europe to feature Airbus’ new Airspace cabin, which makes extensive use of composites, on single-aisle aircraft.

Per its expectations for a 2023-2025 commercial aircraft market recovery, Airbus confirms a rise in A320, A220 and A350 production rates.

The largest in the world, Hy24’s investment fund is expected to provide financial capital to back large-scale green hydrogen infrastructure projects worldwide.

Aerodynamic helicopter demonstrator, featuring an aluminum and composites fuselage and composite blades, will focus on improving aircraft performance and reducing environmental footprint.

Jointly funded by Airbus and the U.K. government’s ATI program, the £40 million research and testing facility serves to undertake structural testing of large-scale aircraft assemblies.

RTM and ATL/AFP high-rate production sites feature this composites and engineering leader’s continued push for excellence and innovation for future airframes.

Airbus and the Norwegian Air Ambulance Foundation partner to measure the added value of eVTOL aircraft for medical use cases across Norway.

This sidebar to CW’s July 2024 feature article reviews the company’s achievements and capabilities through years of composites R&D programs.

The purchase of 270 jets from Airbus and Boeing, including the 737 MAX and A321neo, will require about 2.12 million pounds of composite materials.