2023-06-19 15:31:02
The Walloon aerospace group Sonaca signed on Monday “the biggest contract in its historywith European aircraft manufacturer Airbus, in the form of three different contracts. The agreements were unveiled at the Paris-Le Bourget International Aeronautics and Space Show (SIAE)
These contracts were signed by the managing director of Sonaca Yves Dematte on the one hand, and by the chief purchasing officer of Airbus, Olivier Cauquil, and the vice-president in charge of wing purchasing, Stephen Archer, on the other. hand, noted the Belga agency. “Congratulations to all the Soanaca teams. This contract will solidify and extend the relationship between Airbus and Sonaca. That’s very good news“, said Mr. Cuaquil during the signing.Sonaca now becomes the official supplier of the trailing edge flaps (in flaps jargon) of the Airbus A321XLR and extends its historical contract for the supply of the leading edges (for aircraft, slats) A320 and A350. For the Sonaca group, this is a major step forward in its product diversification strategy. These contracts represent the most important commercial success ever signed for Sonaca“, the company said in a statement.
This confirms the industrial robustness and competitiveness of Sonaca
This contract for the A321 XLR, the new long-range single-aisle Airbus aircraft (long range, editor’s note), marks the expansion of the Belgian manufacturer. Sonaca will rely on three of its major sites: Belgium, Brazil and Romania for the supply of these elements. This new mission will involve no less than 160 people within the Sonaca teams.
In addition, Sonaca has also been confirmed as leading edge supplier for the successful A320 and A350 programs. “This testifies to renewed confidence in one of its flagship components and confirms Sonaca’s industrial robustness and competitiveness.“, underlines the press release, which does not provide any indication of the potential turnover linked to these three contracts.
Sonaca, which describes itself as “Belgian industrial flagship“, will have the opportunity to develop new technologies with the installation of a mechanical machining machine for large parts. This more sustainable solution compared to current processes will thus allow Sonaca to continue its efforts for a greener aeronautical industry. In this perspective, investments of more than 40 million euros are planned to support these new developments with in particular the construction of a new production building, which will resume the surface treatment, the drawing and the trimming of the parts, added the group.
“This new partnership marks an important step in our relationship with Airbus. We’ve been partners for almost 40 years and I’m excited to see our collaboration reach new heights for the decade to come.“, rejoiced Mr. Delatte, quoted by the press release.
Questioned by the Belga agency, he refused to mention the slightest amount, while emphasizing that it was “of the biggest contract of all time for Sonaca“, created in June 1978 from the ashes of the former Fairey company. Its capital is 97% owned by the Walloon Region, alongside the Federal Holding and Investment Company (SPPI, 3.02%). It has subsidiaries in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, China, Romania and Sri Lanka.
But Mr. Delatte assured Monday that “the most technologically advanced processes will remain in Wallonia“, just like the design office which notably develops new manufacturing processes.
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