Hexcel's composites take to the sky on the Boeing 787 maiden flight

Hexcel Corporation (NYSE: HXL) congratulates Boeing on the first flight of the 787-8 commercial transport on 15th December 2009, in Everett, Washington.  Hexcel's composite materials are used extensively on the airplane to deliver superior strength, stiffness and weight-savings.

The Boeing 787 is the first commercial transport aircraft designed with advanced composite materials for the wing, fuselage and empennage primary structure.   Hexcel's carbon fiber, structural prepregs, reinforcing fabrics, honeycomb core, and engineered parts are used in many applications throughout the 787, particularly in the plane's secondary structures, interiors, engines and nacelles.  Hexcel estimates revenue on the 787 to be between $1.3 and $1.6 million per airplane – depending on the engine selection.

Hexcel is proud to be flying on the Boeing 787 as it heralds a new age of commercial transport aircraft.