Western aerospace supply chains under pressure due to tightened grip on titanium by Russia and China
The global aerospace industry is grappling with a supply chain crisis, with the dependence on a few commodities and countries, including Russia, for critical materials like titanium, aluminium, steel, cobalt, nickel, and their related alloys, causing concern for the industry's future.
Titanium, an essential lightweight alloying metal used in aircraft parts, is particularly at risk. Military and space programs are also affected, with titanium's use in fighter jets being more than three times that of a typical narrow-body aircraft.
Russia and China, the dominant global suppliers of titanium, are posing threats to Western commercial aerospace programs. China, for instance, has been expanding its production of titanium and currently supplies over 75% of the world's titanium metals, up from less than 40% in 2019. China may also restrict outward flows of titanium to prioritize its domestic aerospace programs, such as COMAC and the sixth-generation J-36 fighter jet.
Meanwhile, China's titanium industry needs to upskill into aerospace-grade capabilities, but it has already started supplying titanium to Russia, supporting its ambitions to grow its own aerospace industry. The concentration of titanium supply in Russia poses a significant threat to Western commercial aerospace programs, impeding economic growth and delaying projects.
To mitigate these risks, companies like Boeing are strengthening their relationships with titanium suppliers. Boeing has extended and broadened its long-term titanium supply agreement with ATI, strengthening its role as a leading provider of advanced titanium materials for the aerospace industry.
On a positive note, the aerospace industry is witnessing new developments. Orbex, a UK-based space launch company, has successfully completed its first full simulation of the Prime vehicle launch, marking a key technical milestone as it prepares to deliver orbital launch services from the UK next year.
Furthermore, Woodward Inc, a global leader in energy control solutions for aerospace and industrial markets, has announced its plans to build a precision manufacturing facility in Greer, South Carolina, in Spartanburg County. This move is expected to boost the local economy and contribute to the ongoing advancements in the aerospace industry.
Lastly, Boeing has launched its new Engineering Center within the Cici & Hyatt Brown Center for Aerospace Technology at Embry‐Riddle Aeronautical University's Research Park. This center is expected to foster innovation and collaboration in the field of aerospace engineering.
Project Blue, a critical material supply chain advisory firm, projects a requirement for more than 1.6 million tonnes of titanium by 2044. Commercial aircraft are expected to account for nearly 90% of annual titanium demand by the late 2040s, driven by rising demand for air travel and cargo, and the replacement of obsolete fleets.
As the global aerospace industry navigates these supply chain challenges, it is clear that innovation, collaboration, and strategic partnerships will be key to ensuring a sustainable and secure future.
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