Production slowdowns contributed to inventory buildup within the aerospace supply chain, though not uniformly across all materials; more aluminum was stockpiled than titanium or nickel. Lead times for steel remained long, especially for specialty grades, and supply disruptions for certain...
As we near the end of 2024, it’s clear that aircraft deliveries (and production) will be lower in 2024 than in 2023. For Boeing, just as MAX production was gaining momentum and rising through the mid-30s per month, the...
I attended and spoke at SMR’s North American Stainless Steel & Special Metals Conference in Nashville November 7-8. The conference addresses multiple industry verticals beyond (and larger than) aerospace. That said, a number of topics beyond aerospace bear mentioning: Destocking...
I attended and spoke at Titanium USA held in Austin October 6-8. The most pertinent takeaways: Overall, the tone of the conference was upbeat In the long term, demand for titanium from aerospace and other markets will remain strong In...
Last month, Aperam signed a definitive agreement to acquire Universal Stainless in an all cash deal. Aperam is a European headquartered global supplier of stainless, electrical and specialty steel and recycling. Universal is a US-based, aerospace-focused provider of stainless steel....
Boeing workers approved a company offer after a strike lasting 53 days. The length of the strike was in line with history, but the compensation package was higher than normal and will exert labor cost pressure throughout the industry. We...
Members of IAM 774 in Wichita, KS voted over the weekend to reject Textron Aviation management’s offer and to go on strike. Similar to Boeing’s union leadership, IAM774’s leadership had recommended membership accept Textron’s offer. Management was offering a 26%...
If not for all of Boeing’s highly public problems, attention might be focused on why Airbus cannot predict their production better. At the start of the year Airbus forecast deliveries of 800 aircraft in 2024. This summer the goal was...
As expected, IAM 751 rejected Boeing’s last best and final offer and voted to strike. What was unexpected was the overwhelming majority (96%) of the members voting against an agreement their leadership had recommended accepting. The prospects for a quick...