Thinking machines
Algorithm-based artificial intelligence, once only imagined, is here. It can do a lot of good.
Jeff Sloan
Editor-in-Chief, CompositesWorld
Spirit AeroSystems pauses work on 20 737 MAX shipsets
The move was made following a request from Boeing that Spirit pause additional work on four 737 MAX shipsets and avoid starting production on 16 737 MAX shipsets to be delivered in 2020.
Composites suppliers, fabricators respond to coronavirus
Companies across the composites industry supply chain share how the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting their businesses, and how they are available to help.
Spirit AeroSystems to power Wichita facility with wind energy
The company’s 12.8 million-square-foot aerospace manufacturing facility will be converted to Kansas wind-generated electricity.
Spirit AeroSystems announces new cost-reduction measures in light of coronavirus
Measures taken include an extended suspension of production for Boeing aircraft and workforce reductions.
Boeing suspends Puget Sound production operations in response to coronavirus
Beginning March 25, production operations in the Puget Sound area of Washington, U.S. are suspended until further notice.
Spirit AeroSystems suspends Boeing production work
The announcement follows Boeing’s temporary suspension of Puget Sound production activity due to the coronavirus outbreak.
High-rate, automated aerospace RTM line delivers next-gen spoilers
At Spirit AeroSystem’s Prestwick facility in Scotland, a glimpse of the future of aerocomposites manufacturing in a resin transfer molding line for A320 spoilers.
Jeff Sloan
Editor-in-Chief, CompositesWorld
Spirit AeroSystems acquires Fiber Materials Inc.
FMI is an industry-leading technology company specializing in high-temperature materials and composites for defense.
Spirit AeroSystems opens new spoiler manufacturing facility
The Scotland-based facility will use advanced composites technology for high-volume production of spoilers for the Airbus A320 aircraft family.
DC dielectric sensors for industrial composites production
Synthesites in situ process monitoring enables cure decisions based on real-time Tg evaluation that can reduce cure cycles by up to 50%.
SAERTEX extends carbon fiber contract with Bombardier
SAERTEX supplies textile reinforcement materials and carbon fiber noncrimp fabrics, with which Bombardier produces wingskins for the Airbus A220 aircraft at its Belfast facility.
Airbus, Québec government become sole owners of A220 program
Bombardier exits the commercial aircraft manufacturing business. Airbus owns 75% of the A220 program; Government of Québec owns 25%.
JEC announces finalists for 2020 Innovation Awards
JEC Group has announced its JEC Innovation Awards finalists, 33 total from 11 categories. Winners will be announced at JEC World 2020 on March 4.
Reading tea leaves: The outlook for aerospace
The coronavirus pandemic promises to wreak havoc on the aerospace composites supply chain, but it’s not too soon to start thinking about how a post-pandemic commercial aerospace market will evolve.
Jeff Sloan
Editor-in-Chief, CompositesWorld
Spirit AeroSystems announces 737 MAX production agreement with Boeing
Under the agreement, Spirit will restart production slowly, ramping up to reach a total of 216 MAX shipsets delivered to Boeing in 2020.
Spirit AeroSystems initiates workforce reductions due to 737 MAX production suspension
Layoffs affecting 2,800 employees have been issued at the Wichita facility, due to ongoing production suspension and expected lower production going forward.
Aerion Supersonic selects Potez Aéronautique as AS2 supplier
Aerostructures supplier Potez Aéronautique will design the doors of the AS2 supersonic business jet.
The markets: Aerospace (2020)
With the 737 MAX grounded, the global aerospace supply chain was thrown into disarray in 2019. Still, several new programs on the horizon portend increasing composites use in commercial aerostructures for coming decades.
Top 10 CW news from the 2010s
From 2010-2019, here are CompositesWorld’s most viewed composites industry news from the decade.
CW's top 10 articles of 2019
It’s time to reflect upon the trends and innovations seen in the composites industry over the past year and contemplate what might be ahead in 2020.
The black swan events hitting the composites industry
From the Boeing 787 to COVID-19: When the out-of-the-ordinary becomes ordinary — and affects the manufacturing supply chain.
Jeff Sloan
Editor-in-Chief, CompositesWorld
Spirit AeroSystems suspends Boeing 737 MAX production
Effective Jan. 1, 2020, Spirit AeroSystems is suspending production of 737 MAX components pending Boeing’s resumed production timetable.
Aerion Supersonic, Safran partner for AS2
Safran companies will design the engine nacelles, braking system and landing gear systems for the AS2 supersonic business jet.
Albany Engineered Composites to work on Wing of Tomorrow program
Albany has signed a two-year agreement with Airbus to apply its 3D reinforced composites technology to next-generation wing substructure applications.
People in Composites: November 2019
Albany Engineered Composites, GKN Aerospace, Michelman and Sirrus Inc. announce new hires in the composites manufacturing industry.
How much is that composite wing in the window?
With Spirit AeroSystems buying Bombardier’s Belfast operations, the future of composites fabrication for large commercial aerostructures starts to come into focus.