[Constellium bets on lighter, recycled aluminium for future planes]
Constellium is developing lighter aluminium alloys and increasing recycling to compete in future single-aisle aircraft, as composite materials become more popular. Although aluminium has lost share in larger planes, it is still widely used in models like the Airbus A320 due to its low weight and established industry use.
Constellium expects Airbus and Boeing to choose materials for new single-aisle jets around 2029-2030. The company is focusing on aluminium’s recycling advantages and has achieved a 20% weight reduction in wing tests using new alloys and advanced welding. Constellium also notes that recycled aluminium uses 95% less energy than new metal, highlighting its sustainability compared to composites.