Increase in global aircraft build rate generates strong demand for titanium tubing in India

Published on: 27th April 2015

Fine Tubes and Superior Tube recently exhibited at the biennial Aero India exhibition in Bengalaru, India. As leading global manufacturers of a wide range of titanium, stainless steel and nickel alloy tubing, Fine Tubes Ltd. (UK) and Superior Tube Co. (US) supply products for critical aerospace applications including hydraulic tubes, aero engine tubes, instrumentation and transmission tubing and mechanical tubes. Their presence at Aero India attracted considerable attention from the delegates, with particular interest shown in their high performance titanium alloy tubing.

 

Paul Mallett, Aerospace Product Manager, commented:

“With an increasing aircraft build rate globally, India is succeeding in winning business for the manufacture of aircraft structures and components. This success has led to a strong interest in precision high strength tubing and the meetings at the show indicated a particular demand for titanium Ti3Al2.5V (Grade 9), Ti6Al4V (Grade 5) and TiX tubes, matching our expertise in manufacturing these specialist light weight products.”

 

Fine Tube and Superior Tube also offer a comprehensive portfolio of aerospace tubing in stainless steel, including 21-6-9, 321 and 347, and in nickel alloys, including 625, X-750 and Waspaloy.

Gagan Sood, Business Development Manager India, added:

“The active discussions at our booth enabled us to broaden our understanding for the latest challenges in the aerospace industry. As one of the leading innovators in metal tube fabrication, we have the capability to manufacture tubing solutions in new, higher strength grades of titanium offering substantial weight savings compared to the current industry standard.”

Fine Tube and Superior Tube’s stand also attracted one very eminent visitor: the UK Minister Lord Astor of Hever. Lord Astor spent time talking with representatives from Fine Tubes and Superior Tube Company at their exhibition stand. The Minister, who has recently spoken at a conference on UK-India Aerospace Industry, commented that the UK is a natural partner for India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative, based on UK research, development, design and the UK’s expertise in manufacturing.

Lord Astor went on to say: “The UK Aerospace Industry is the largest in Europe and second only to the US globally. It has huge potential for growth. We have more than 30 UK companies participating at Aero India 2015. I encourage UK companies and Indian companies to collaborate and deliver winning business solutions.” Lord Astor was joined at the exhibition by the British High Commissioner to India, Sir James Bevan. They both visited numerous stands, and also met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi after the air show’s inauguration.

Aero India is the second largest air show in the world after the Paris Air Show, featuring a number of international names in aerospace. This year’s show featured a ‘Make in India’ campaign, fronted by the Prime Minister Modi, as well as fly-pasts, demonstrations and exhibitions. The exhibition’s aim was to provide a significant platform in bolstering business opportunities in International aviation sector.

Gagan Sood, added:

“We’ve been working closely with major Indian manufacturers for the past 20 years, developing competitive tubing solutions for advanced civil, defence and space exploration programmes. With the Indian aerospace market set to grow as a result of the ‘Make in India’ initiative, we are looking forward to collaborating with more key manufacturers to solve their technical challenges.”