Friday 14 June 2013 - an important day that opens a new chapter in the aviation industry: The Airbus A350 XWB - the youngest member of the jetliner product line of the European aircraft manufacturer Airbus - has successfully completed its first flight today. On Board were various components and systems provided by FACC AG.
Walter Stephan, the CEO of FACC AG, stated that "The successful first flight of a new aircraft is always a worthy event for the entire aviation industry. The excellent work of thousands of committed stakeholders across the borders of Europe accepts this milestone as both recognition and affirmation. We at FACC value this important milestone as a culmination of several years of intensive development and challenging work. We are proud that we - and our many components and systems on board the A350 XWB – effectively accepted this challenge with flying colors. I would like to congratulate Airbus on this successful milestone and I wish to thank our FACC team, suppliers and valued customers who continue to work on the A350 XWB program for their sustained commitment and dedication. "
FACC technology on board the A350 XWB
FACC components from all three divisions are on board the A350 XWB. FACC Engines & Nacelles is supplying weight-optimised translating sleeves (manufactured as subcontractor to UTC Aerospace Systems) and engine components; FACC Interiors provides passenger door lining, smoke detection covers and overhead stowage compartments. And the spoilers and winglets are provided by FACC Aerostructures. Since FACC were awarded the contracts by Airbus FACC has delivered on its commitments by bringing its many years of experience and high technical expertise in the area of composites to the A350 XWB program and sharpening the A350 XWB’s edge still further, also when it comes to operational efficiency. “With our products we create economic solutions, which reduce weight, fuel consumption and maintenance costs and at the same time increase capacity and range”, said Stephan.
FACC is investing up to EUR 100 million in research and development of the hi-tech components. The series production has now started on all projects. FACC assumes that when the production rate of the aircraft has ramped-up, around 250 employees at the three production sites in Austria will be working on the production of the A350 XWB components.
About the A350 XWB
The A350 XWB (Xtra Wide-Body) is an all-new mid-size long range product line seating between 270 and 350 passengers in typical three-class layouts. The aircraft will bring a step change in efficiency compared with existing aircraft in this size category, using 25 per cent less fuel and providing an equivalent reduction in CO2 emissions.
Over 70 percent of the A350 XWB’s weight-efficient airframe is made from advanced materials combining composites (53 percent), titanium and advanced aluminium alloys. The aircraft’s innovative all-new Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) fuselage results in lower fuel burn (25 percent better fuel efficiency) as well as easier maintenance.
About FACC
FACC AG is one of the world’s leading companies in the design, development and production of advanced fiber reinforced composite components and systems for the aviation industry. Their range of products reaches from structural components for the fuselage and wings to engine components to complete passenger cabins for passenger planes and helicopters. FACC is a supplier to all large aircraft manufacturers such as Airbus, Boeing, Bombardier, Embraer, Sukhoi, and COMAC as well as for engine manufacturers and sub-suppliers of manufacturers. In the business year of 2012/13, FACC achieved a turnover of 433.91 million Euros and employed 2,269 employees at year-end on February 28, 2013. Further information can be found under www.facc.com.
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Copyright: Airbus - Toulouse, FACC - Ried
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