As a partner of the world’s leading commercial aircraft manufacturers, Leonardo specialises in the production and assembly of major structural composite and metallic components for commercial and military aircraft, helicopters and uncrewed aircraft. Leonardo participates in the most prominent programmes in the sector, such as the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, the Airbus A220 and A321, and the best-selling regional turboprops produced by ATR.
>1,800
ATRs sold to about 200 airlines in 100 countries
>1,100
fuselage sections produced for the Boeing 787
>2,000
fuselage sections produced for the Airbus A321
Principal programmes and productions
ATR
ATR
The ATR consortium – a joint venture owned equally by Leonardo and Airbus – is currently the world’s leading manufacturer of turboprop aircraft for regional transport. The ATR 42 and 72 are the best-selling aircraft in the market segment for aircraft with fewer than 90 seats. Leonardo produces the entire fuselage and the vertical and horizontal tail stabilisers, made of composite material, for all aircraft, including the new STOL version (for landing on runways under 800 metres) and the cargo version.
Boeing
Leonardo designs and produces 14% of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, the world’s first airliner to make large-scale use of composite materials. The central and rear-central section of the fuselage and the carbon fibre horizontal stabiliser are made using Leonardo’s own patented plants, machinery and production processes. The ‘One Piece Barrel’ is the key innovative element in the monolithic structure of the Boeing 787: the manufacturing process enables integration of the maximum number of parts in a single component, reducing assembly work. Leonardo is also responsible for certification, production and assembly of all the moving surfaces of the wing and stabilisers of the Boeing 767.
Boeing
Airbus
Airbus
Leonardo and Airbus have worked together on the A321 programme since 1991, when the two companies signed an agreement for the design and production of the forward section of the aircraft fuselage, which is now also produced for the A321’s new configuration. Leonardo also produces the horizontal and vertical stabiliser for the Airbus A220, and is responsible for design, development, testing, qualification and production throughout the product’s entire lifecycle.