Fuel pricing ignites demand for composites in commercial transports.

The article explains the role advanced composites play in current original equipment manufacturer (OEM) efforts to help airlines reduce costs. According to the author, composites can be more economically attractive than metals if oil prices do not decline and the costs of producing primary and secondary aerostructures from composites and metals are roughly equivalent. A market outlook is provided for the use of composite materials in the construction of aircraft primary and secondary structures and interiors.