The International Air Transport Association (IATA) predicts that climbing jet fuel prices will cost the airline industry US$176 billion in 2011, and as fuel costs continue to rise, so does the importance of lightweight components in aircraft systems. Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics, a leading manufacturer of high-performance polymer components, will be showcasing Meldin® 7000, a lightweight high-temperature solution for aerospace finished parts, at the 49th International Paris Air Show at le Bourget Exhibition Center in Paris from June 20-26, 2011 (Hall 2b E138). With its unique combination of performance properties, Meldin 7000 provides high performance finished parts that are 50% lighter than aluminum, reducing total systems weight and decreasing fuel consumption without sacrificing quality or safety.

Found in auxiliary power units (APUs), de-icing systems, cabin air-conditioning systems, actuators, and landing gear systems, Meldin 7000 advanced high-temperature finished parts fortify the overall performance of critical aircraft equipment, strengthening customers' brands. Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics technical experts will be available at the show to discuss Meldin 7000's ability to withstand challenging aerospace environments, including:

• Dimensional stability at high temperatures

• Excellent chemical resistance

• Longer life at higher loads and speeds

• Superior thermal insulation properties

In addition, Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics will unveil its comprehensive customer support strategy, which provides direct access to the company's design and co-engineering capabilities, material testing resources, and machining expertise, providing complete powder-to-parts process control. This unique support strategy enhances operations and gives customers the security of a single-source supply chain.