RENO, Nev. and
WICHITA, Kan., July 28, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Supersonic aircraft
company, Aerion, the leader in supersonic technology, today
announced it has entered into a memorandum of agreement to expand
the role of Spirit AeroSystems [NYSE: SPR] in the development of
the AS2 business jet to include production of the forward
fuselage. As part of the agreement, Spirit has committed to
additional investment in the AS2 program and has increased
engineering resources working on the design of the AS2's forward
fuselage.
Aerion and Spirit first began formal collaboration in early
2019, working on preliminary design of the AS2's forward,
pressurized fuselage. Joining the project in the early formative
stages of the AS2, Spirit's technical expertise has significantly
advanced the design evolution as Aerion moves the supersonic
business jet toward production beginning in 2023. At full
rate, it is expected that Spirit will build 36 forward fuselage
assemblies per year.
"Spirit AeroSystems has been an outstanding partner in the
design and development of the AS2, and their considerable
aerostructures expertise has proven a core enabler in the evolution
of our program," said Tom Vice,
Aerion's Chairman, President & CEO. "I'm delighted to have
expanded our already excellent relationship and look forward to
continued collaboration between our two companies as we bring the
AS2 to market."
"Through our collaboration with Aerion, we have contributed
innovative and cost-effective design solutions to help make the AS2
Supersonic Jet a reality," said Tom
Gentile, President and CEO, Spirit AeroSystems. "With our
expanded agreement, Spirit will bring both its manufacturing and
design capabilities to this revolutionary aircraft program."
Aerion's pursuit of faster point-to-point travel begins with the
launch of the new AS2 supersonic private jet. Designed to be
inherently environmentally responsible from first flight, the AS2
is the first supersonic jet designed to be powered by 100 percent
synthetic fuel and reach supersonic speeds without the need for an
afterburner.
The AS2 will be the first aircraft to be assembled at Aerion's
new global headquarters in Melbourne,
Florida - Aerion Park. The
state-of-the-art development, powered by clean energy, will
incorporate headquarters operations plus an integrated campus for
research, design, build and support of the company's new supersonic
aircraft.
About Aerion Corporation
Aerion is founded on a core
belief of bringing humanity closer. The company's vision is a
future where humanity can travel between any two points on our
planet within three hours using new transportation networks –
powered by clean energy solutions and enabling a world where
distance is no longer a barrier. The starting point is sustainable
supersonic flight, led by the world's first supersonic business jet
– the AS2. More information can be found
at www.aerionsupersonic.com.
About Spirit AeroSystems
Spirit AeroSystems designs
and builds aerostructures for both commercial and defense
customers. With headquarters in Wichita,
Kansas, Spirit operates sites in the U.S., U.K.,
France and Malaysia. The company's core products include
fuselages, pylons, nacelles and wing components for the world's
premier aircraft. Spirit AeroSystems focuses on affordable,
innovative composite and aluminum manufacturing solutions to
support customers around the global. More information is available
at www.spiritaero.com
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking
Statements
This press release contains
"forward-looking statements" that may involve many risks and
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"goal," "forecast," "intend," "may," "might," "objective,"
"outlook," "plan," "predict," "project," "should," "target,"
"will," "would," and other similar words, or phrases, or the
negative thereof, unless the context requires otherwise. These
statements reflect management's current views with respect to
future events and are subject to risks and uncertainties, both
known and unknown. Our actual results may vary materially from
those anticipated in forward-looking statements. We caution
investors not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking
statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to
differ materially from those reflected in such forward-looking
statements and that should be considered in evaluating our outlook
include, without limitation, the timing and conditions surrounding
the return to service of the 737 MAX and any related impacts on our
production rate; our reliance on Boeing for a significant portion
of our revenues; our ability to execute our growth strategy,
including our ability to timely complete and integrate our
announced Asco and Bombardier acquisitions; our ability to
accurately estimate and manage performance, cost, and revenue under
our contracts; demand for our products and services and the effect
of economic or geopolitical conditions in the industries and
markets in which we operate in the U.S. and globally; our ability
to manage our liquidity, borrow additional funds or refinance debt;
the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business and operations,
including on the demand for our and our customers' products and
services, on trade and transport restrictions, on the global
aerospace supply chain, on our ability to retain the skilled work
force necessary for production and development and generally on our
ability to effectively manage the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic
on our business operations; and other factors disclosed in our
filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These factors
are not exhaustive and it is not possible for us to predict all
factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from
those reflected in our forward-looking statements. These factors
speak only as of the date hereof, and new factors may emerge or
changes to the foregoing factors may occur that could impact our
business. Except to the extent required by law, we undertake no
obligation to, and expressly disclaim any obligation to, publicly
update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a
result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
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SOURCE Aerion Supersonic