The Boeing 777X will be a redesigned version of the 777 the first commercial airliner to incorporate composite materials for structurally significant parts Composites account for 50 percent of structural weight of the 787 Dreamliner and the 777X will have the world39s largest wing formed from composite

Boeing to Source 777X Composite Materials from UAE

July 12, 2016
Boeing will be the first customer of a new venture formed by Mubadala Development Co. and Solvay that will produce primary structure (“pre-preg”) composite materials, to be used to form 777X empennage and floor beams, starting in 2021.

Boeing Co. (IW500/9) reported it will be the first customer of a new joint venture formed by Mubadala Development Company and Solvay that will produce primary structure (“pre-preg”) composite materials to be used to form 777X empennage and floor beams, starting in 2021. The plant, to be built at Al Ain, in the United Arab Emirates, will supply empennage and floor beam structural parts for the Boeing 777X.

The length and value of the supply contract with the new venture were not released.

Pre-preg materials are "pre-impregnated" composite fibers with a matrix material (e.g., epoxy), already present. The fibers typically are woven, as in a fabric, with the matrix used to bond them together and to other components during manufacture. The matrix is only partially cured, so composite structures built of pre-pregs usually require heat curing.

Boeing’s 777 was the first commercial airliner to incorporate composite designs for structurally significant composite parts. Composites account for 50% percent of structural weight of the more recent 787 Dreamliner, and the 777X will have the world's largest aircraft wings formed from composite.

Read More


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.)

Sponsored Recommendations

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of IndustryWeek, create an account today!