Boeing Raises 2025 Titanium Demand Forecast Amid Aircraft Production and Certification Challenges

Boeing Ti

Aerospace giant Boeing has announced an anticipated increase in titanium purchases for 2025, signaling stronger demand despite ongoing labor strikes and challenges with its 737 Max and 787 Dreamliner programs. The Virginia-based company aims to secure higher titanium supply levels to support a planned production ramp-up for these aircraft, even as output on the 737 Max has been temporarily halted due to a labor stoppage in the Pacific Northwest.

Jeff Carpenter, Boeing's senior director of contracts, sourcing, and category management, addressed delegates at the International Titanium Association (ITA) conference in Austin, noting that Boeing has "signaled increased buys to all the mills" for 2025, though exact figures were not disclosed. Boeing’s increased demand reflects its goal of sustaining production rates while mitigating potential supply chain disruptions, including parts shortages and federally mandated output caps.

Titanium Requirements: Rising Demand in Aerospace

Boeing has long relied on titanium for its aircraft structures due to its lightweight yet durable properties, essential for both the narrow-body 737 Max and the wide-body 787 Dreamliner. While the 737 Max uses less titanium—under 10% by weight—the larger 787 comprises approximately 15% titanium, making it a major driver of Boeing’s titanium needs. As the company sets its sights on producing 50 737s per month by 2025-26 and 10 787s per month by 2026, demand for the metal is expected to climb.

In preparation for these ambitious production targets, Boeing has been addressing supply chain bottlenecks, including expanding its supplier base and considering new sourcing strategies. Efforts to localize operations may streamline the titanium supply chain and reduce dependency on overseas forgers, cutting lead times and enhancing production efficiency. Part of this localization includes increased purchases of intermediate titanium forms like slab, which can help Boeing better meet its titanium requirements for future builds.

Heightened Scrutiny on Certification and Quality Control

Alongside its production goals, Boeing is also calling for more rigorous industry standards in titanium certification following recent findings of fraudulent documentation in some titanium parts. This year, aviation regulators in the U.S. and Europe launched an investigation into titanium parts previously verified with improper documentation. Although Boeing stressed that the quality of the titanium itself is not in question, the company is strengthening oversight to avoid risks associated with sourcing strategies outside its established network.

Carpenter urged suppliers at the ITA conference to prioritize diligence in material sourcing and conform to tighter certification standards. Boeing plans to increase inspections and bolster certification training for its distributors, aiming to ensure high-quality material tracking and maintain safety standards.