Spirit AeroSystems and Norsk Titanium Announce Start of Production Qualification for Commercial Aircraft Parts

WICHITA, Kan., July 16, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Spirit AeroSystems [NYSE: SPR] and Norsk Titanium US Inc. (NTi), have reached an agreement to initiate qualification of Spirit's first additive-manufactured, titanium, structural component for the Boeing 787. 

This qualification will validate NTi's production and industrialization processes, integrate Spirit's workscope of machining final parts from additively manufactured near-net shapes and verify material and final part conformity to requirements. 

"Spirit has had a comprehensive and long relationship with Norsk Titanium, and this part will be our first additive structural titanium component incorporated into a commercial airplane program," said Spirit AeroSystems Senior Vice President of Fabrication and Supply Chain Management, Ron Rabe.

NTi is the world's first FAA-approved, OEM qualified, supplier of additive-manufactured, structural titanium components.  NTi's proprietary Rapid Plasma Depositiontm (RPDtm) process has been in serial production of Boeing 787 titanium components since April, 2017.

"I am very proud of the Norsk Titanium team and this accomplishment. It represents years of technology development," said CEO of Norsk Titanium Mike Canario. "I also would also like to thank Spirit for this vote of confidence in the Norsk RPDtm process and capability."

NTi's Plattsburgh, N.Y., facility was recently added to Spirit's Approved Supplier List (ASL) and Boeing's Qualified Producer's List (QPL).  Spirit and NTi have had an ongoing technology collaboration for more than nine years. In 2017, both companies signed a Master Procurement Agreement (MPA) for qualification and production activities.  The first commercial aircraft part will begin serial production later this year.

Spirit AeroSystems is one of the largest manufacturers of fabricated parts for the aerospace industry. The company recently announced plans to expand its fabrication business to support other manufacturers around the globe.

Norsk Titanium is the world's pioneering supplier of aerospace-grade, additive manufactured, structural titanium components. The company RPDtm process transforms titanium wire into complex components suitable for structural and safety-critical applications.

On the web: www.spiritaero.com
On Twitter: @SpiritAero

About Spirit AeroSystems Inc.
Spirit AeroSystems designs and builds aerostructures for both commercial and defense customers. With headquarters in Wichita, Kansas, Spirit operates sites in the U.S., U.K., France and Malaysia. The company's core products include fuselages, pylons, nacelles and wing components for the world's premier aircraft. Spirit AeroSystems focuses on affordable, innovative composite and aluminum manufacturing solutions to support customers around the globe. More information is available at www.spiritaero.com.

About Norsk Titanium
Norsk Titanium is the world's pioneering supplier of aerospace-grade, additive manufactured, structural titanium components. The company is distinguished in the aviation industry by its patented Rapid Plasma Depositiontm (RPDtm) process that transforms titanium wire into complex components suitable for structural and safety-critical applications. Norsk Titanium is a Tier-1 OEM supplier and RPDtm is the world's first FAA-approved, 3D-printed, structural titanium capable of substantially reducing cost, lead time, and raw materials for aerospace, defense, and commercial customers. www.norsktitanium.com.

SOURCE Spirit AeroSystems Inc.