Alcoa Draws $470-Million Supply Deal from Embraer

Alcoa announced it has long-term contract worth $470 million to supply aluminum sheet and plate materials to Embraer S.A. for its new E-Jets E2 regional aircraft, which are scheduled for a commercial debut in 2018.

Robert Brooks

July 1, 2016

The Embraer EJet E2 will be a series of narrowbody mediumrange twinengine jet airliners available in three variants all with the same fuselage cross sections but different lengths and different wing styles Two different sizes of Pratt amp Whitneyrsquos PW1000G geared turbofan engines will power the aircraft — The Embraer E-Jet E2 will be a series of narrow-body, medium-range twin-engine jet airliners available in three variants, all with the same fuselage cross sections but different lengths and different wing styles. Two different sizes of Pratt & Whitney’s PW1000G geared turbofan engines will power the aircraft.

Alcoa (IW500/50) has a new long-term contract to supply aluminum sheet and plate materials to Embraer S.A. for its new E-Jets E2 regional aircraft, which are scheduled for a commercial debut in 2018. The agreement, reportedly worth $470 million, will make Alcoa the exclusive supplier of wing skins and fuselage sheet material.

Alcoa described the agreement as a multi-year contract, though the specific terms were not released.

The Embraer E-Jet E2 series is a series of narrow-body, medium-range, twin-engine jets developed to replace the Brazilian OEM’s current E-Jet family, and to improve fuel-efficiency with larger jet engines. Pratt & Whitney’s PW1000G geared turbofan engines are the power source. Embraer developed the new series to replace its current E-Jet design, and promises 16-24% lower fuel burn and 15-25% lower maintenance cost, per seat.

In May, Embraer completed a successful first flight for the E190-E2 aircraft, the midsized variant in the E-Jets E2 series.

Alcoa noted it also is supplying a variety of aluminum parts to Pratt & Whitney for those new engines, including a proprietary forged fan blade.

American Machinist is an IndustryWeek companion site within Penton's Manufacturing & Supply Chain Group.

About the Author

Robert Brooks

Content Director

Robert Brooks has been a business-to-business reporter, writer, editor, and columnist for more than 20 years, specializing in the primary metal and basic manufacturing industries. His work has covered a wide range of topics, including process technology, resource development, material selection, product design, workforce development, and industrial market strategies, among others. Currently, he specializes in subjects related to metal component and product design, development, and manufacturing — including castings, forgings, machined parts, and fabrications.

Brooks is a graduate of Kenyon College (B.A. English, Political Science) and Emory University (M.A. English.)