Boeing said last week that Strata Manufacturing, a subsidiary of Mubadala Development Company, has delivered its first advanced composite parts as its direct supplier.
Strata, based in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates, delivered its first shipset of 777 composite ribs to Boeing Fabrication facilities in Washington state earlier this year. These structural components were installed in the vertical fin and horizontal stabilizers for a 777-300ER (Extended Range) that will be delivered to Emirates Airline this year.
Strata’s confirmation as a Tier 1 supplier to Boeing meets an important goal set by the world’s largest aerospace company and Mubadala, the Abu Dhabi-based investment and development company.
“Boeing is working closely with Mubadala as they invest to increase production of advanced composites,” said Kent Fisher, vice president and general manager, Supplier Management, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “Strata’s first delivery of composites to Boeing is a significant achievement in our effort to continue building a capable, competitive supply chain for our products.”
“Mubadala is committed to increasing the UAE’s capabilities in the aerospace sector, particularly in the production of advanced composites,” said Homaid Al Shemmari, CEO of Aerospace and Engineering Services, Mubadala. “Our longstanding successful partnership with Boeing reinforces this commitment and we look forward to collaborating with Boeing as suppliers and partners.”
Boeing and Mubadala signed a framework agreement in 2009 to develop mutually beneficial initiatives in areas of strategic alignment, including composites manufacturing. In 2011, the companies said Strata would become a major Tier 1 supplier to Boeing and later announced that Strata would supply 777 ribs, 787 Dreamliner vertical fin ribs and the 787 vertical fin. At the 2013 Dubai Airshow, the two companies announced that Mubadala would have the opportunity to supply as much as $2.5 billion in advanced composites and machined metals to Boeing commercial programs, including the 777X and 787.
“By becoming a direct supplier for a primary structure on the Boeing 777 program, Strata is proud to have achieved a major milestone for the UAE’s expanding aerospace industry,” said Strata Manufacturing CEO Badr Al-Olama.
“The close collaboration between Boeing, Mubadala and Strata is delivering real results for our company and the UAE aerospace industry,” said Jeff Johnson, president, Boeing Middle East.
Boeing’s twin-aisle products are the cornerstones of airline fleets in the UAE. Since 2004, Etihad Airways has ordered 18 777-300ER (Extended Range), 4 777 Freighters, 41 787-9, 30 787-10 and 25 777X airplanes. Emirates Airline has the world’s largest 777 fleet, with 130 orders since 1991, and in November 2013 announced it intends to purchase 150 777X airplanes.
Source: www.mubadala.com
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23 June 2014
