Broadening its sourcing arrangement with Indian forging major Bharat Forge Ltd, aircraft manufacturer, Boeing, has awarded a contract to the Pune-based company to procure titanium forgings for its Boeing 777X aircraft.
The value of the contract has not been disclosed.
Boeing 777X is a new series under development, of the Boeing 777 family of aircraft. With new engines and wings made of composite materials, it will compete with Airbus A350.
Bharat Forge is already supplying titanium flap-track forgings for the Boeing 737; The first shipment was made earlier this year.
Bharat Forge will also supply forgings for the 737 MAX aircraft, which is scheduled to enter service next year.
Titanium is preferred by the aerospace industry for its unique combination of high strength and lightweight properties. It is also resistant to corrosion when exposed to sea water and chlorine. The first two forgings for Boeing 777X are scheduled to be shipped to Boeing in late 2016. Two more forgings will be supplied in early 2017.
Pratyush Kumar, president, Boeing India, said, “We are pleased to expand our partnership with Bharat Forge, which started supplying titanium forged flap tracks for the Boeing Next Generation 737 airplane earlier this year. They have demonstrated not only a high level of technical expertise but also an understanding of the need to meet market requirement for affordability.”
“This contract demonstrates our commitment to build a globally competitive aerospace supply chain in India to realise the full potential of the Make in India initiative,” Mr Kumar added.
High-end technology
Subodh Tandale, executive director, Bharat Forge, said, “The second contract is the result of our successful partnership with Boeing and brings to the forefront our capabilities in precession manufacturing techniques to offer high-end technology and value in the aerospace sector.”
“We are well-versed with the stringent process requirements for titanium forgings and have mastered the process. We will be supplying critical wing components for one of the most advanced Boeing aircrafts. This also confirms our commitment to meet the aspirations of the Make in India initiative,” he added.
Soon after the announcement, Bharat Forge shares surged, and closed with a gain of 1.17 per cent at Rs 808.05 on the BSE.
