FACC expands partnership with Airbus

FACC has been a trusted partner for Airbus, a leading aircraft manufacturer, for many years. Now, this strong partnership is to be further expanded with the production of empennage components for A220 aircraft. 

Worldwide, an aircraft with FACC technology on board takes off every second - Airbus has also been relying on FACC's innovative strength for many years. Robert Machtlinger, CEO of FACC AG, comments on the long-standing partnership with Airbus as follows: “The first product that FACC, which at that time was still the development department of Fischer Ski, developed for Airbus back in 1981 was a supporting rod for the floor crossbeams of the Airbus A300. Now, 40 years later, we are represented on all aircraft platforms - the A220, A320, A330, A340, A350 and A380 - with our innovative lightweight components for the wings and engines, the empennage and the passenger cabin. The new order is not only a sign of our expertise and good cooperation, but also an important indicator for the years to come. Together, we will work on the development of new solutions that will shape the future while implementing our climate and sustainability goals step by step."

Sustainably strengthening the location

With the production of empennage components of the A220 aircraft, FACC is further expanding its know-how and safeguarding attractive jobs and thus its prominent role as a leading company in the region. "In order to establish ourselves as an innovative, stable and reliable partner to Airbus as well as to other major customers, FACC has invested more than 500 million euros in its plants and in highly automated facilities over the past 10 years. This is also a commitment to the location and to our crew,"emphasizes Robert Machtlinger. "The state of Upper Austria has always been at our side as a close partner during these challenging times. With the new order from Airbus, we are now particularly pleased to be able to create new jobs and thus sustainably strengthen the region," states Machtlinger. 

Exploring successful paths together

The Airbus A220 aircraft also impress with state-of-the-art technology, and are the most efficient in their class thanks to low operating costs and noise emissions. The new order for this successful aircraft family positions FACC as an important long-term technology partner to Airbus and supports the company's growth strategy for the future. 

Strong performance, strong Upper Austria

Governor Thomas Stelzer was also visibly impressed by the innovative strength of the Ried-based aerospace group on the occasion of the signing of the contract between FACC and Airbus: “As one of the leading international technology companies in the aerospace market, FACC AG is a driver of innovation for our industrial province of Upper Austria, and for the region of Ried in particular. This fantastic new project is further proof of the high level of expertise that FACC has been delivering for decades. My warmest congratulations on expanding the cooperation with Airbus, which is not only of great significance to FACC. The fact that Airbus, a leading aircraft manufacturer, is placing its trust in Upper Austrian product diversity, competence and quality is a strong sign for our business location.”

With this new order, FACC is further expanding its close cooperation with Airbus in the Aerostructures segment, and thus consolidating its strong position in the aviation industry in the long term. FACC is the sole supplier for the A220 rudder and elevator. The first components will be delivered in early 2022. With its consistent growth strategy and clear commitment to top performance, the aerospace group is breaking new ground together with its partners and is already working today on the innovations of tomorrow - to make international airspace not only safer and more efficient, but also more environmentally friendly and sustainable. 

A220 empennage components as primary structures for Airbus 

The project comprises the manufacture and assembly of the rudders and elevators, and represents another milestone for FACC in its partnership with Airbus. "Technological leadership as well as the move towards more complex aircraft structures is a central topic in the aircraft industry, and we have been working on this intensively for years. FACC has achieved an internationally leading role as a result of vigorous research and development work," says Robert Machtlinger. "This is certainly one of the main reasons why Airbus now uses FACC's know-how for the empennage components of the A220.” 

The elevators and rudders serve to control and stabilize the aircraft in the air, and therefore play a central role in the flight operations of the Airbus A220. The technical requirements for the production of the primary structural elements are naturally demanding and complex: with a length of 6.4 meters and a width of 1.9 meters, the production of the rudder, for instance, not only requires the utmost precision, but also high-level logistical management. A sophisticated manufacturing concept and the in-house production of the metal components at FACC by means of a highly efficient automated 5-axis CNC milling machine will ensure compliance with the high technical requirements.