MRO & Manufacturing
GKN Expands EWIS Production Network to Support Airbus A220 Growth
GKN Aerospace expands global EWIS production for Airbus A220, boosting capacity and advancing sustainable aviation technologies.
GKN Aerospace, a key supplier in the aerospace sector, is ramping up its production of Electrical Wiring Interconnection Systems (EWIS) for the Airbus A220. This move is part of a broader strategy to support Airbus’s ambitious production goals while enhancing GKN’s global manufacturing footprint. The expansion involves a multi-site production network with facilities in Europe, Asia, and North America, and includes significant investments in workforce and infrastructure.
The importance of EWIS in modern aircraft cannot be overstated. These systems form the electrical backbone of an aircraft, enabling critical functions such as avionics, lighting, and propulsion. As the aviation industry shifts towards more electric and sustainable aircraft, the demand for advanced EWIS solutions is growing rapidly. GKN’s latest initiatives position it as a key player in this evolving landscape.
This article explores the strategic implications of GKN’s expansion, the technical and operational challenges involved, and how this move fits into the broader context of aviation industry trends toward sustainability and production resilience.
Electrical Wiring Interconnection Systems (EWIS) are integral to the functionality of any aircraft. These systems include wires, connectors, and support equipment that distribute electrical power and signals throughout the airframe. As aircraft become more electrically powered, especially with the shift toward hybrid-electric and hydrogen propulsion, EWIS becomes even more critical.
GKN Aerospace has built a reputation for delivering lightweight, high-reliability EWIS solutions. Their systems are used in a range of Airbus aircraft, including the A220, A320, and A320neo. The company’s focus on reducing weight while maintaining performance aligns with broader industry goals to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.
With technological advancements such as high-voltage wiring and integration into sustainable propulsion platforms, GKN is not only meeting current demands but also preparing for future aerospace needs.
GKN’s EWIS production is distributed across several key facilities worldwide. The company operates manufacturing centers in the Netherlands, China, Turkey, and Mexico. This global footprint allows GKN to manage supply chain risks, optimize logistics, and support regional aerospace markets more effectively.
The center of excellence in the Netherlands plays a pivotal role in R&D and high-precision manufacturing. Meanwhile, the facility in Chihuahua, Mexico, has recently undergone a significant expansion, adding 80,000 square feet of space and creating 200 new jobs. This site now supports both EWIS and composite aerostructure production. Such diversification of production sites not only enhances resilience but also enables GKN to scale operations in line with Airbus’s production targets for the A220, which aims to reach 14 aircraft per month by 2026.
“The expansion of our Chihuahua facility is an important milestone… Lightweight structures and advanced EWIS systems are critical for enabling the future of sustainable flight.”, John Pritchard, President of Civil Airframe, GKN Aerospace
GKN recently secured a multi-year contract extension with Airbus to continue supplying EWIS for the A220 program. This agreement reinforces a longstanding partnership and ensures stability in the supply chain as Airbus seeks to ramp up production.
The A220 currently has a backlog of approximately 498 aircraft as of early 2025. With production rates at around eight aircraft per month, Airbus faces pressure to meet its target of 14 per month by 2026. GKN’s expanded capacity is a critical enabler in this effort.
The strategic alignment between Airbus and GKN reflects a broader trend in the aerospace industry: the need for vertically integrated, resilient supply chains that can adapt to shifting market demands and technological advancements.
One of the most forward-looking initiatives GKN is involved in is the SWITCH project, which focuses on hybrid-electric propulsion. GKN has delivered its first high-voltage EWIS system for this initiative, supporting megawatt-class power distribution essential for hybrid-electric aircraft.
The testing of these systems is set to take place at Collins Aerospace’s facility in Illinois, marking a key milestone in the development of cleaner aviation technologies. High-voltage EWIS is vital for managing the increased electrical loads in hybrid-electric systems.
Through SWITCH, GKN is not only advancing its technical capabilities but also contributing to industry-wide goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition to more sustainable flight technologies.
In addition to hybrid-electric propulsion, GKN is participating in the ICEFlight program, which focuses on developing cryogenic cooling systems for hydrogen-powered aircraft. This program supports Airbus’s ZEROe initiative aimed at launching a zero-emission commercial aircraft by 2035. GKN’s role involves designing and manufacturing systems that can handle the extreme temperatures required for liquid hydrogen storage and distribution. These systems are essential for enabling hydrogen as a viable fuel source for aviation.
While hydrogen-powered flight remains in the early stages of development, GKN’s involvement in ICEFlight positions it at the forefront of next-generation aerospace propulsion technologies.
To ensure consistent output and mitigate risks, GKN has implemented a three-factory network model for EWIS production. Facilities in the Netherlands, China, and Turkey operate in coordination, allowing for flexible resource allocation and quicker response to disruptions.
According to Enrique Alatorre, Senior Vice President of EWIS at GKN, this model improves both productivity and supply chain resilience. It also allows the company to support multiple OEMs and adapt to regional market needs.
This approach is especially critical as the aerospace industry continues to face challenges such as labor shortages, raw material constraints, and geopolitical uncertainties.
“Our three-factory network enables us to respond quickly to customer needs and maintain high levels of operational resilience.”, Enrique Alatorre, SVP EWIS, GKN Aerospace
GKN Aerospace’s strategic expansion of its EWIS production capabilities reflects a nuanced understanding of both current industry demands and future technological shifts. By investing in global facilities, securing long-term contracts, and participating in sustainability-focused programs, GKN is positioning itself as a critical enabler of the next generation of aircraft.
As Airbus and other OEMs push toward higher production rates and greener technologies, suppliers like GKN will play a pivotal role in ensuring that these ambitions are met. With a robust global network and a clear focus on innovation, GKN is well-equipped to navigate the complexities of the modern aerospace landscape.
What is EWIS? Why is GKN expanding its EWIS production? What are the SWITCH and ICEFlight projects?
GKN Strengthens Airbus A220 Wiring Factory Network: Strategic Expansion and Industry Impact
Understanding EWIS and GKN’s Role
What is EWIS and Why It Matters
GKN’s Global Production Footprint
Contractual and Strategic Alignments
Innovation and Sustainability Initiatives
Hybrid-Electric Propulsion: The SWITCH Project
Hydrogen-Powered Flight: The ICEFlight Program
Production Resilience Through Networked Facilities
Conclusion
FAQ
EWIS stands for Electrical Wiring Interconnection Systems, which include all the wiring and electrical connectors in an aircraft.
To support Airbus’s ramp-up of A220 production and to enhance supply chain resilience through a global manufacturing network.
SWITCH focuses on hybrid-electric propulsion using high-voltage EWIS, while ICEFlight develops cryogenic cooling systems for hydrogen-powered aircraft.
Sources
Photo Credit: GKN