Embraer S.A. and Alcoa today announced they have signed a new technology sharing agreement that will utilize Alcoa's proprietary aluminum alloys, advanced design and manufacturing techniques, and its fastener technologies to support Embraer's development of new high-performance metallic fuselage and wing solutions for its family of aircraft.

Embraer S.A. is the world's largest manufacturer of commercial jets up to 120 seats, and one of Brazil's leading exporters. Alcoa is the leading supplier of aluminum sheet, plate, extrusions and forgings, and fasteners to Embraer and the aerospace industry. The new agreement will leverage Alcoa's 100 years of aerospace technology experience and latest technology innovations to help Embraer develop high-performance aluminum aircraft using the newest aluminum products including aluminum and aluminum lithium alloys; advanced design approaches and structural technologies; and the latest fastener and joining technologies.

In June of this year, Alcoa launched a number of new aerospace solutions including new proprietary alloys and advanced structural technologies that will lower the weight, cost and maintenance of new aircraft, compared to composites. Following that launch, Alcoa secured major new supply agreements with airframers.

"Embraer is known for developing high-performance aircraft and we are pleased to have Alcoa join us to work on developing the next phase of solutions that will take performance to an even higher level for our customers," said Jorge Ramos – Vice President, Embraer Technology Development.

"Alcoa's history of developing aerospace solutions dates more than 100 years to Kitty Hawk," said Franklin Feder – President, Alcoa Latin America and Caribbean. "We look forward to building upon our latest metallic technology solutions to help Embraer build the best planes possible."