GKN Aerospace gains USD100m contract for Bombardier CSeries aircraft winglet

In a contract which could be worth more than USD100m, GKN Aerospace has been selected by Bombardier Aerospace, Belfast to design and manufacture the winglet for the new Bombardier CSeries aircraft, aimed at the 100 to 149 seat market.

This contract covers the period to 2025 with first winglet deliveries taking place in early 2011 to support aircraft entry into service in 2013.

This state-of-the-art composite winglet will be a vital element in this advanced aircraft achieving specific goals for reduced fuel burn and lower emissions with a greater range and better performance than any current aircraft in its class.

Winglets are transforming the performance of aircraft today, reducing wing drag to bring block fuel savings for aircraft operators of at least six percent - with consequent critical reductions in aircraft emissions and improvements in payload and range.

Phil Swash, CEO of Aerostructures-Europe, GKN Aerospace, comments: "We are delighted to have been awarded this significant work package on what we believe will be an exceptionally successful future aircraft.  Bombardier is a long-established customer of GKN Aerospace.  This latest contract sees us developing this partnership with a work package that will continue until the end of the first quarter of this century – and will build on our experience in the hugely promising area of winglet design and manufacture."   Michael Ryan, Vice-President and General Manager, Bombardier Aerospace, Belfast, said:  "Bombardier in Belfast is responsible for the design and manufacture of the advanced composites wings for the CSeries aircraft family. We are delighted that GKN Aerospace is joining us in this programme which is of significant benefit to the UK supply chain.  We look forward to their contribution to the development of the game-changing CSeries aircraft, which will offer unmatched operating economics and a significantly reduced environmental footprint."