Boeing halts titanium purchases from Russia

Boeing said Monday it will no longer buy titanium from Russia and instead will rely on inventories and alternative suppliers for airplane production. The US company has had a longstanding joint-venture with VSMPO-AVISMA, a Russian titanium supplier chaired by Sergey Chemezov, a close associate of Russian President Vladimir Putin was sanctioned by US authorities. Boeing did not respond to AFP questions on the status of the joint venture. "We have suspended purchasing titanium from Russia," a Boeing spokesperson said. "Our inventory and diversity of titanium sources provide sufficient supply for airplane production, and we will continue to take the right steps to ensure long-term continuity." Boeing last week suspended its support work for Russian airlines and its operations in Moscow, part of a broad retreat by many US companies in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine last month. The US aviation giant has worked with VSMPO-AVISMA since 1997 and established a joint venture with the Russian metal company in 2006. In November 2021, the two companies signed a memorandum of understanding affirming that "VSMPO-AVISMA will remain the largest titanium supplier for current and future Boeing commercial airplanes," according to a joint press release. The agreement ensures titanium supply for the Boeing 737, 767, 787, 777 and 777X airplanes, the companies said.<br/>