Latecoere announced that its Aerostructures division has been awarded a contract to manufacture aft access doors for Boeing's KC-46A tanker aircraft. The first door under this contract will be delivered in early 2020 and deliveries will continue until the end of the decade, with a production rate of about fifteen aircraft per year.

This build-to-print contract will be executed by Latecoere's engineering and programme teams based in Toulouse. The detail parts will be manufactured at Latecoere's Toulouse Montredon Factory 4.0 which opened in May 2018, while assembly will take place at the Group's North American Door Centre of Excellence in Hermosillo, Mexico.

Emmanuel Remy, General Manager Latecoere Aerostructures, said, "It is the recognition by Boeing of our expertise and leadership in the doors sector that resulted in Latecoere being awarded this contract. We are very proud of this result, particularly considering Boeing's high standards. Winning this contract is also a sign of the Latecoere Aerostructures division's competitiveness and our determination to grow."

Latecoere was awarded the contract for the design and manufacture of passenger doors for the Boeing 787 in 2004. The Group also builds the main deck cargo door for the 777 Freighter and supplies an extensive range of HD cameras and surveillance systems for installation on Boeing aircraft.

Latecoere CEO Yannick Assouad, confirmed, "This new contract is a direct result of the gains in competitiveness we have made through our Transformation 2020 plan. It also demonstrates Latecoere Aerostructures' experience in build-to-print contracts and our ability to win opportunities in this highly competitive marketplace. This contract confirms Latecoere Aerostructures No. 1 position in aircraft doors in the world."