Anthony J Reardon, chairman and chief executive officer, Ducommun, said: “This agreement with Airbus is an important step in the company’s strategy to deliver new and innovative solutions for our customers within the commercial aerospace industry. We are excited to work together to develop advanced applications using the technology, which we believe offers inherent value due to its weight and net shape characteristics, producing lightweight aircraft structures without compromising strength or increasing cost.”

Francois Mery, senior vice president of aerostructures procurement, Airbus, said,: “The cooperative research agreement will allow us to explore the full potential of the technology, which we feel aligns with Airbus’ commitment to reducing environmental impact and bringing cost and performance benefits to the airline industry as well as to the traveling public at large.”