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Russia is the world’s leading supplier of titanium for aeronautics. But the Russian supply is currently suspended or questioned by the large groups which risk having to diversify their supply a little more in the coming months.
Robust and light, titanium is essential for aeronautics. It is found in the fuselage of aircraft, in landing gear or in engines. With a 25 to 30% market share, Russia is the sector’s major supplier. In France, Russian titanium represents half of the needs of the sector according to Gifas, the grouping of French aeronautical and space industries.
Sufficient stocks for the next few months
But the war launched by Moscow reshuffles the cards. One by one, industrial groups are distancing themselves from Russian titanium. Boeing has thus suspended its contract with its first Russian supplier (VSMPO-AVISMA) which, according to the Wall Street Journal, a third of its supplies. The manufacturer claims to have enough stock at this stage, and says it is able to produce its civilian aircraft ” without interruption ».
Overall, stocks in the aeronautics sector are quite good, thanks to a drop in consumption over the past two years due to Covid-19 and sluggish air traffic. Drop of more than 40% according to the latest study carried out as part of the TITANE working group led by the Ministry of Ecological and Inclusive Transition. According to this document, it is only in 2027 that demand should return to the level of 2019.
Manufacturers are looking for alternatives
But having stock today, even for several months, does not mean being serene. Boeing recognizes this, its boss, Dave Calhoun, says to himself ” protégé “with his reservations, but” not forever. The group is looking for new suppliers, a diversification process that dates back several years.
Safran, the French aeronautical equipment manufacturer, has ceased all its activities in Russia following Western sanctions against Moscow. The group claims to have a few months of stock, but is also looking to other suppliers, particularly those in the United States, and says it has recently purchased titanium stocks in Germany.
The other potential sources for aeronautics are Kazakhstan and Japan. China is a large producer in volume, but despite the efforts of Chinese manufacturers none has yet qualified for critical aeronautical parts, according to the report cited above.
Salvation will perhaps tomorrow also pass through recycling. The Franco-Kazakh company UKAD inaugurated its new EcoTitanium reprocessing plant in September 2017, the production of which is currently ramping up.
To know more :
The titanium cell report
PUBLIC EDITION
PUBLIC EDITION Final report 2018 – 2020 titanium market monitoring study Pierre-François LOUVIGNÉ – Study conducted as part of the TITANE working group led by the
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