HUNTSVILLE, Ala., Aug. 13, 2009 – PPG Industries’ (NYSE:PPG) aerospace transparencies business has been awarded a contract by Spirit AeroSystems to redesign the laminated glass windshields for Boeing’s Next-Generation 737 airplanes. The windshields are being redesigned at Boeing’s request to accommodate airframe improvements.
To meet Boeing specifications, the redesigned windshields will be slightly smaller than the current versions and include an inboard plastic antispall liner to prevent broken glass from entering the flight deck during a bird-strike event, according to Art Scott, PPG Aerospace global sales director for commercial original-equipment transparencies.
“Boeing has asked for an alternate approach to bird-strike performance for the windshields that works structurally with the 737 airframe,” Scott said. “Adding an antispall liner to the windshields for Next-Generation 737 airplanes enables Boeing to keep the structural airframe design while incorporating newer technology.”
PPG will be the sole source of the redesigned windshields for production and aftermarket applications.
Scott said PPG expects certification of the new-design windshields in the second quarter 2010. The windshields will be designed and manufactured at PPG’s Huntsville, Ala., facility for delivery to Wichita, Kan., where Spirit makes the fuselage for Boeing.
PPG Aerospace is the aerospace products and services business of PPG Industries. PPG Aerospace – Transparencies is the world’s largest supplier of aircraft windshields, windows and canopies. PPG Aerospace – PRC-DeSoto is the leading global producer and distributor of aerospace coatings, sealants and packaging and application systems.
About Spirit AeroSystems
Based in Wichita, Kan., Spirit AeroSystems Inc. is the world’s largest independent supplier of commercial airplane assemblies and components. In addition to its Kansas facility, Spirit has locations in Tulsa and McAlester, Okla.; Prestwick, Scotland; Samlesbury, England; and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and is developing a new manufacturing facility in Kinston, N.C. In the United States, Spirit’s core products include fuselages, pylons, nacelles and wing components. Additionally, Spirit provides aftermarket customer support services, including spare parts, maintenance/repair/overhaul, and fleet support services in North America, Europe and Asia. Spirit Europe produces wing components for a host of customers, including Airbus.
About PPG
Pittsburgh-based PPG is a global supplier of paints, coatings, optical products, specialty materials, chemicals, glass and fiber glass. The company has more than 140 manufacturing facilities and equity affiliates and operates in more than 60 countries. Sales in 2008 were $15.8 billion. PPG shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange (symbol: PPG). For more information, visit www.ppg.com.
