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:

1. 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.
2. 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

This article is based on an official press release from Daher.

Daher Doubles Operational Scope with Second Airbus A321 Assembly Line Contract

ORLY, France, Daher has officially expanded its industrial footprint within the Airbus ecosystem, announcing on January 21, 2026, that it has been awarded the industrial services contract for the second A321 final assembly line (FAL) in Toulouse. This new agreement effectively doubles the company’s operations related to the single-aisle jetliner at the historic Jean-Luc Lagardère site.

According to the company’s announcement, this expansion complements the renewal of its existing contract for the first A321 FAL, where Daher has served as the lead service provider since 2022. The dual contracts solidify Daher’s position as a critical partner in Airbus’s efforts to ramp up Manufacturing of its best-selling narrowbody aircraft.

Scope of Industrial Services

The newly awarded contract tasks Daher with a specific set of “industrialization” duties essential for the smooth flow of the final assembly process. These services are distinct from general logistics, involving hands-on technical preparation of major aircraft sections before they enter the final joining stages.

As detailed in the press release, the work packages include:

• Fuselage Preparation: Installation of cabin equipment, electrical systems, cockpit integration, and carpeting.
• Wing Preparation: Preparation of assembly surfaces, hydraulic draining, and hatch removal.

By managing these upstream tasks, Daher aims to ensure quality control and maintain a consistent workflow for Airbus technicians working on the main assembly line.

Executive Commentary

Cédric Eloy, the CEO of Daher Industrial Services, emphasized that the new contract allows the company to leverage synergies between the two parallel assembly lines located within the same facility.

“This expansion reflects the strength of our Partnerships with Airbus. We successfully supported the launch of the first Airbus A321 FAL, and we’re now continuing the journey with the second final assembly line. By pooling expertise and strengthening synergies, we provide Airbus with a reliable and competitive operating model.”

— Cédric Eloy, CEO of Daher Industrial Services

AirPro News Analysis: The Strategic Context

While the official release focuses on the Contracts award, AirPro News notes that this development is a significant milestone in Airbus’s broader industrial strategy. The Jean-Luc Lagardère facility, once the home of the A380 superjumbo, has been aggressively repurposed to address the massive backlog for the A321neo family.

Industry data indicates that the A321neo now accounts for approximately 60% of the A320 Family backlog. To meet Deliveries commitments, Airbus has set a production target of 75 A320-family aircraft per month by 2026/2027. The activation of a second line in Toulouse is critical to achieving this rate.

For Daher, this contract validates its strategic pivot toward high-value industrial services. Following its acquisition of Assistance Aéronautique et Aérospatiale (AAA) in 2023, Daher has significantly bolstered its workforce capabilities. By securing the role of lead service provider on both Toulouse lines, Daher mitigates operational risks for Airbus, providing a single, integrated workforce to manage the complex preparatory phases of production.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Jean-Luc Lagardère site?
Located in Toulouse, France, this massive facility was originally built to assemble the Airbus A380. Since the end of A380 production, it has been converted to house modern final assembly lines for the A320 and A321 families.

What is the difference between the two contracts mentioned?
Daher has held the contract for the first A321 line at this site since 2022; this contract was renewed at the end of 2025. The new announcement concerns the second line, which doubles the volume of work Daher performs at the site.

What specific tasks will Daher perform?
Daher technicians will handle the “stuffing” and preparation of sections, including installing electrical systems, cabin equipment, and preparing wings for attachment, rather than the final structural joining of the aircraft.

Sources

• Daher

This article is based on an official press release from GE Aerospace.

GE Aerospace Reports 74% Surge in Q4 Orders, Issues Optimistic 2026 Guidance

GE Aerospace concluded its 2025 fiscal year with a robust fourth-quarter performance, reporting significant growth in orders and revenue that surpassed Wall Street expectations. In an official press release issued on January 22, 2026, the company announced a 74% year-over-year increase in orders for the fourth quarter, driven by sustained demand for commercial engines and a recovery in defense deliveries.

Despite the strong financial results, which included a “beat and raise” on earnings per share and revenue, the company’s stock price experienced volatility in trading sessions following the announcement. While the aviation giant projects continued double-digit growth into 2026, market analysts suggest the immediate stock reaction reflects profit-taking after a year of substantial gains.

Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2025 Financial Results

According to the company’s financial report, GE Aerospace delivered double-digit growth across key metrics. For the fourth quarter of 2025, the company reported total orders of $27.0 billion, a massive 74% increase compared to the same period in the previous year. Adjusted revenue for the quarter reached $11.9 billion, rising 20% year-over-year and beating analyst consensus estimates of approximately $11.2 billion.

Profitability metrics also showed strength. The company reported an adjusted Earnings Per Share (EPS) of $1.57 for the quarter, a 19% increase that exceeded the consensus estimate of $1.43. Operating profit grew by 14% to $2.3 billion.

For the full year of 2025, GE Aerospace highlighted the following results:

• Total Orders: $66.2 billion (up 32% year-over-year).
• Adjusted Revenue: $42.3 billion (up 21% year-over-year).
• Adjusted EPS: $6.37 (up 38% year-over-year).
• Free Cash Flow: $7.7 billion (up 24% year-over-year).

The company also noted a substantial backlog of approximately $190 billion, which management indicated represents nearly five years of revenue visibility at current production rates.

Operational Highlights: Services and Defense

The press release and accompanying presentation materials attributed the strong performance to high demand in both the Commercial Engines & Services (CES) and Defense sectors.

Commercial Engines & Services

Commercial services revenue grew 26% for the full year. This surge is largely attributed to higher volumes of shop visits and spare parts sales as airlines continue to fly older aircraft to meet travel demand. Additionally, the company achieved a record number of LEAP engine deliveries, which rose 28% year-over-year.

Defense Recovery

The Defense & Propulsion Technologies segment showed signs of overcoming previous supply chain hurdles. Defense engine deliveries increased 30% year-over-year, while orders in the segment jumped 61% in the fourth quarter. This indicates an easing of the constraints that had previously limited output in this critical sector.

“The proprietary FLIGHT DECK lean operating model [is credited] for improving turnaround times and output.”

, Larry Culp, CEO (Summarized from company remarks)

2026 Outlook and Guidance

Looking ahead, GE Aerospace management provided guidance for 2026 that projects continued expansion, albeit at a stabilizing rate compared to the rapid post-pandemic recovery phase. The company forecasts low double-digit growth in adjusted revenue and expects operating profit to land between $9.85 billion and $10.25 billion.

CFO Rahul Ghai also confirmed expectations that the LEAP engine program will reach profitability in 2026, a significant milestone for the company’s long-term margin expansion strategy. The guidance for adjusted EPS is set between $7.10 and $7.40, with Free Cash Flow projected between $8.0 billion and $8.4 billion.

AirPro News Analysis

The results from GE Aerospace reinforce the “aviation supercycle” narrative currently dominating the sector. With major airframers facing production delays, airlines are forced to extend the lifecycles of their existing fleets. This dynamic directly benefits GE Aerospace, which generates high-margin revenue from the aftermarket services and parts required to keep older engines operational.

Furthermore, the 30% increase in defense deliveries suggests that the worst of the supply chain disruptions may be resolving. This operational improvement allows the company to convert its massive $190 billion backlog into recognized revenue more efficiently. However, the market’s “sell the news” reaction, dropping the stock 3-6% despite the beat, highlights investor caution regarding valuation multiples after a ~70% rally over the last year.

Sources

• GE Aerospace Press Release