MRO & Manufacturing
Airbus Starts Serial Production of Large Titanium 3D-Printed A350 Parts
Airbus initiates serial integration of large titanium 3D-printed parts for the A350 using w-DED technology in partnership with Norsk Titanium.
This article is based on an official press release from Airbus and additional industry data regarding Norsk Titanium.
Airbus Initiates Serial Production of Large Titanium 3D-Printed Parts for A350
As of January 2026, Airbus has officially commenced the serial integration of large-scale, 3D-printed titanium components into the A350 program. According to an official company statement, this milestone focuses on the Cargo Door Surround area of the Commercial-Aircraft, marking a decisive shift from traditional Manufacturing methods to advanced Wire-Directed Energy Deposition (w-DED) technology.
This development represents a significant evolution in aerospace manufacturing. While 3D printing (additive manufacturing) has been used previously for smaller brackets and non-structural cabin parts, the move to w-DED allows for the production of large, high-load-bearing structural components. Airbus indicates that this transition is driven by the need to reduce raw material waste, shorten production lead times, and prepare for the high-rate demands of future aircraft programs.
The Shift to Wire-Directed Energy Deposition (w-DED)
Historically, the aerospace sector has relied heavily on “Powder Bed Fusion” for additive manufacturing. While precise, this method is constrained by the size of the printer’s bed, typically under two feet, and relatively slow production speeds measured in grams per hour. In its recent announcement, Airbus detailed its adoption of w-DED to overcome these limitations.
Breaking Size and Speed Barriers
The w-DED process utilizes a robotic arm to feed titanium wire into a laser or plasma beam, melting the material layer-by-layer to build a part. According to technical details released by Airbus, this method offers two primary advantages over powder-based systems:
- Scale: The robotic nature of w-DED allows for the creation of components up to 7 meters (23 feet) in length, enabling the production of large structural ribs and frames.
- Speed: Deposition rates have increased from grams per hour to several kilograms per hour, making the technology viable for industrial-scale serial production rather than just prototyping.
The parts currently being installed on the A350 Cargo Door Surround are produced as “near-net shapes.” This means the component is printed to a rough outline of the final specification and then machined to exact tolerances. This hybrid approach combines the speed of additive manufacturing with the precision of traditional machining.
Sustainability and Efficiency Gains
A primary driver for this technological shift is the drastic reduction in material waste, measured in the industry by the “Buy-to-Fly” ratio. This ratio compares the weight of the raw material purchased to the weight of the final finished part.
According to industry data and Airbus’s manufacturing analysis:
- Traditional Forging: Often requires a Buy-to-Fly ratio of 10:1 to 20:1. This means for every 1 kilogram of finished part, 10 to 20 kilograms of raw titanium must be purchased, with 80-95% of that material machined away as scrap.
- w-DED Printing: Achieves a ratio closer to 2:1. Only about 2 kilograms of wire are needed for a 1-kilogram part, resulting in significantly less waste.
By reducing the amount of titanium required, Airbus aims to lower both environmental impact and production costs. Furthermore, the digital nature of the process reduces lead times from months to weeks, as it eliminates the need to create physical molds or dies associated with forging.
Strategic Partnerships and Future Programs
The successful integration of these parts is supported by a partnership with Norsk Titanium. Following a Master Supply Agreement signed in April 2024, Norsk Titanium has utilized its proprietary Rapid Plasma Deposition (RPD) technology to supply these structural components. This collaboration has been instrumental in moving the technology from a testing phase to serial mass production.
Enabling the ZEROe and Next-Gen Single-Aisle
Airbus has stated that the A350 application serves as a “stepping stone” for more ambitious future projects. The scalability of w-DED is considered critical for two upcoming challenges:
- High-Rate Production: The successor to the A320 family, expected in the late 2030s, will require production rates that traditional forging supply chains may struggle to support. w-DED allows for on-demand printing of large parts, potentially alleviating supply bottlenecks.
- Hydrogen Aircraft (ZEROe): Future Hydrogen-powered aircraft will require complex cryogenic fuel tanks. w-DED is uniquely suited to print these large, hermetically sealed structures as single pieces, reducing joints and minimizing the risk of leaks.
AirPro News Analysis
The adoption of w-DED for the A350 Cargo Door Surround signals that Airbus is moving aggressively to close the gap with competitors in the additive manufacturing space. Boeing has utilized Norsk Titanium’s RPD parts on the 787 Dreamliner since approximately 2017 to reduce costs. However, Airbus’s application appears to target larger and more complex structural areas, suggesting a strategy of “catch-up and scale-up.”
Furthermore, this move validates the broader industry trend toward “Near-Net Shape” manufacturing. As geopolitical and supply chain instabilities continue to affect the availability of raw titanium, technologies that reduce material consumption by up to 90% are no longer just “green” initiatives, they are strategic necessities for maintaining production stability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is w-DED?
Wire-Directed Energy Deposition (w-DED) is a 3D printing technique that uses a laser or plasma beam to melt metal wire as it is deposited by a robotic arm. It is faster and capable of building larger parts than traditional powder-bed fusion.
Which aircraft are using these parts?
As of January 2026, the parts are being serially integrated into the Airbus A350, specifically in the Cargo Door Surround area.
Who is the supplier for these parts?
The parts are produced in partnership with Norsk Titanium, utilizing their Rapid Plasma Deposition (RPD) technology.
Sources: Airbus, Norsk Titanium
Photo Credit: Airbus
MRO & Manufacturing
Embraer and CIAC Sign MoU to Boost Colombia Aerospace Industry
Embraer and Colombia’s CIAC signed a Memorandum of Understanding to expand industrial cooperation and integrate CIAC into Embraer’s global aerospace production.
This article is based on an official press release from Embraer.
Brazilian aerospace manufacturer Embraer and the Colombian Aeronautical Industry Corporation (CIAC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore the expansion of industrial and technical cooperation. The agreement, formalized on April 8, 2026, at the FIDAE aerospace exhibition in Santiago, Chile, aims to significantly boost Colombia’s domestic aerospace industry.
According to an official press release from Embraer, the partnership is designed to evaluate opportunities for integrating CIAC into the manufacturer’s global production chains. The collaboration could encompass technical and industrial cooperation across Embraer’s defense portfolio, specifically highlighting the A-29 Super Tucano and the KC-390 Millennium tactical transport aircraft.
For Colombia, the agreement represents a pathway to advancing its local manufacturing and maintenance capabilities. By partnering with a major global original equipment manufacturer (OEM) like Embraer, CIAC seeks to position the country as a regional benchmark for aeronautical innovation and development.
Strategic Goals of the Memorandum
The newly signed MoU establishes a framework for knowledge transfer and the development of advanced technical capabilities within Colombia. In a company press release, Embraer leadership emphasized the importance of deepening existing regional ties.
“The signing of this MoU strengthens the relationship built over the years with CIAC and paves the way for a possible expansion of technical and industrial cooperation across Embraer’s portfolio…”
This statement was provided by Fabio Caparica, Vice-President of Contracts at Embraer Defense & Security, who added that the company’s goal is to evaluate opportunities to integrate CIAC into Embraer’s global production chains.
Colombian officials echoed this sentiment, viewing the agreement as a critical milestone for the nation’s industrial ambitions.
“This agreement allows us to advance in the transfer of knowledge, the development of technical capabilities and the integration into global value chains…”
Colonel Oscar Francisco Zúñiga Martin, President of CIAC, noted in the release that the MoU is a strategic step toward consolidating the state-owned corporation as a relevant player in international aerospace scenarios.
Embraer’s Footprint in Colombia
Colombia has long been a vital market for Embraer across multiple aviation segments. The manufacturer currently maintains a substantial operational footprint within the country, serving defense, commercial, and executive aviation customers.
According to the press release, there is currently a fleet of 50 Embraer aircraft operating in Colombia. A significant portion of this fleet belongs to the Colombian Aerospace Force (FAC), which operates 24 A-29 Super Tucano light attack and training aircraft.
AirPro News analysis
We view this Memorandum of Understanding as a strategic alignment of Embraer’s regional defense ambitions with Colombia’s desire for industrial sovereignty. By offering to integrate CIAC into its global supply chain, Embraer is utilizing industrial offsets and technology transfer as a competitive advantage. This approach not only solidifies the existing A-29 Super Tucano fleet support but also lays critical groundwork for potential future acquisitions, such as the KC-390 Millennium, by embedding Colombian industry directly into the aircraft’s lifecycle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CIAC?
The Colombian Aeronautical Industry Corporation (CIAC) is a state-backed aerospace entity in Colombia focused on aircraft maintenance, repair, overhaul (MRO), and the development of national aeronautical capabilities.
How many Embraer aircraft are currently in Colombia?
According to Embraer’s official figures, there are 50 of its aircraft operating in Colombia across the defense, commercial, and executive aviation sectors, including 24 A-29 Super Tucanos.
Sources: Embraer
Photo Credit: Embraer
MRO & Manufacturing
Embraer and CIAC Sign MoU to Boost Colombia Aerospace Industry
Embraer and Colombia’s CIAC signed a Memorandum of Understanding to expand industrial cooperation and integrate CIAC into Embraer’s global aerospace production.
This article is based on an official press release from Embraer.
Brazilian aerospace manufacturer Embraer and the Colombian Aeronautical Industry Corporation (CIAC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore the expansion of industrial and technical cooperation. The agreement, formalized on April 8, 2026, at the FIDAE aerospace exhibition in Santiago, Chile, aims to significantly boost Colombia’s domestic aerospace industry.
According to an official press release from Embraer, the partnership is designed to evaluate opportunities for integrating CIAC into the manufacturer’s global production chains. The collaboration could encompass technical and industrial cooperation across Embraer’s defense portfolio, specifically highlighting the A-29 Super Tucano and the KC-390 Millennium tactical transport aircraft.
For Colombia, the agreement represents a pathway to advancing its local manufacturing and maintenance capabilities. By partnering with a major global original equipment manufacturer (OEM) like Embraer, CIAC seeks to position the country as a regional benchmark for aeronautical innovation and development.
Strategic Goals of the Memorandum
The newly signed MoU establishes a framework for knowledge transfer and the development of advanced technical capabilities within Colombia. In a company press release, Embraer leadership emphasized the importance of deepening existing regional ties.
“The signing of this MoU strengthens the relationship built over the years with CIAC and paves the way for a possible expansion of technical and industrial cooperation across Embraer’s portfolio…”
This statement was provided by Fabio Caparica, Vice-President of Contracts at Embraer Defense & Security, who added that the company’s goal is to evaluate opportunities to integrate CIAC into Embraer’s global production chains.
Colombian officials echoed this sentiment, viewing the agreement as a critical milestone for the nation’s industrial ambitions.
“This agreement allows us to advance in the transfer of knowledge, the development of technical capabilities and the integration into global value chains…”
Colonel Oscar Francisco Zúñiga Martin, President of CIAC, noted in the release that the MoU is a strategic step toward consolidating the state-owned corporation as a relevant player in international aerospace scenarios.
Embraer’s Footprint in Colombia
Colombia has long been a vital market for Embraer across multiple aviation segments. The manufacturer currently maintains a substantial operational footprint within the country, serving defense, commercial, and executive aviation customers.
According to the press release, there is currently a fleet of 50 Embraer aircraft operating in Colombia. A significant portion of this fleet belongs to the Colombian Aerospace Force (FAC), which operates 24 A-29 Super Tucano light attack and training aircraft.
AirPro News analysis
We view this Memorandum of Understanding as a strategic alignment of Embraer’s regional defense ambitions with Colombia’s desire for industrial sovereignty. By offering to integrate CIAC into its global supply chain, Embraer is utilizing industrial offsets and technology transfer as a competitive advantage. This approach not only solidifies the existing A-29 Super Tucano fleet support but also lays critical groundwork for potential future acquisitions, such as the KC-390 Millennium, by embedding Colombian industry directly into the aircraft’s lifecycle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CIAC?
The Colombian Aeronautical Industry Corporation (CIAC) is a state-backed aerospace entity in Colombia focused on aircraft maintenance, repair, overhaul (MRO), and the development of national aeronautical capabilities.
How many Embraer aircraft are currently in Colombia?
According to Embraer’s official figures, there are 50 of its aircraft operating in Colombia across the defense, commercial, and executive aviation sectors, including 24 A-29 Super Tucanos.
Sources: Embraer
Photo Credit: Embraer
MRO & Manufacturing
ST Engineering Secures Maintenance Contract with Skymark Airlines Japan
ST Engineering Aerospace awarded maintenance contract by Skymark Airlines for Boeing 737 MAX and 737NG fleets, integrating AI-driven MRO solutions.
This article is based on an official press release from ST Engineering Aerospace.
We report on the latest development in the Asia-Pacific aviation maintenance sector. According to an official company statement, ST Engineering Aerospace has been awarded a significant component maintenance and overhaul contract by Japanese carrier Skymark Airlines. This agreement covers a Boeing 737 MAX Component Maintenance-By-the-Hour (MBH) Programme, alongside a landing gear overhaul contract for the airline’s Boeing 737NG fleet.
The announcement highlights Skymark Airlines’ position as Japan’s first operator of the Boeing 737 MAX. By securing this contract, ST Engineering continues to solidify its footprint in the Japanese aviation market, providing critical support as the airline advances into the next phase of its fleet journey.
Deepening a Decade-Long Relationship
Trust and Performance
The relationship between ST Engineering and Skymark Airlines is well-established. In their official release, ST Engineering noted that this latest agreement builds upon a foundation that was laid over a decade ago. The partnership originally began in 2013 and has steadily grown to encompass new aircraft types and maintenance requirements.
“This contract marks a new milestone in our longstanding partnership that began in 2013, grounded in trust and performance,”
ST Engineering stated in the release, emphasizing their commitment to supporting Skymark’s component Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) needs.
Advanced MRO Solutions
AI and Automation Integration
A key element of the Component MBH Programme and landing gear MRO solutions is the integration of modern technology. ST Engineering emphasized that their services are designed to deliver predictable costs and maintain high fleet availability for operators.
According to the company, these operational outcomes are supported by AI-driven analytics, automation, and smart MRO capabilities. These technological advancements form a core part of ST Engineering’s broader strategy to provide integrated aviation lifecycle solutions that support airlines over the long term.
AirPro News analysis
For AirPro News, we observe that securing the component MRO and landing gear overhaul for Skymark’s 737 MAX and 737NG fleets is a strategic win for ST Engineering. As Skymark Airlines pioneers the operation of the 737 MAX in Japan, ensuring high fleet availability and predictable maintenance costs will be critical to their operational success. The explicit mention of AI-driven analytics in the press release reflects a growing industry trend where predictive maintenance and smart automation are becoming standard requirements for supporting next-generation aircraft fleets.
Frequently Asked Questions
What aircraft types are covered under the new ST Engineering and Skymark Airlines contract?
The contract covers a Component Maintenance-By-the-Hour (MBH) Programme for the Boeing 737 MAX and a landing gear overhaul contract for the Boeing 737NG.
Who is Japan’s first Boeing 737 MAX operator?
According to the press release, Skymark Airlines is Japan’s first Boeing 737 MAX operator.
When did the partnership between ST Engineering and Skymark Airlines begin?
The partnership between the two aviation companies began in 2013.
Sources
Photo Credit: ST Engineering
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