PPG Aerospace Awarded Contract for Cockpit Windows On Embraer ERJ 170/190

    HUNTSVILLE, Ala.--Feb. 5, 2001--PPG Industries' aerospace transparencies business has been awarded a multimillion-dollar contract from Embraer to design and manufacture the cockpit windows for the new ERJ 170 and 190 regional jetliners.
    A risk-sharing partner, PPG is responsible for complete design of the main windshields and side cockpit windows and system integration into the fuselage.
    According to David France, PPG global sales and marketing manager of original-equipment transparencies, PPG's long history as a successful supplier to Embraer was an important consideration in being selected.
    "PPG was able to meet Embraer's needs in designing a high-performance lightweight all-glass main windshield," France said. "Our technical capabilities and excellent aftermarket support were also key considerations in our being chosen as the transparency supplier."
    France said the contract includes PPG's worldwide aftermarket product support for operators provided 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. AOG (aircraft on ground) coverage and spares distribution will be available directly to operators through PPG's worldwide depots.
    The main windshields for the ERJ 170/190 will be three plies of PPG's proprietary Herculite II chemically strengthened glass to meet bird-impact requirements at the lightest weight, France said. The side cockpit windows will be two plies of acrylic with an optional acoustic panel.
    The windows will be manufactured at PPG's Huntsville aircraft transparency plant. Deliveries are expected to begin by mid-2002 for the ERJ 170 and late 2003 for the ERJ 190.
    PPG is the world's largest manufacturer of aircraft transparencies, and its Ampaspace subsidiary operates a facility near Milan, Italy, for production of acrylic aircraft transparencies. PRC-DeSoto International, a PPG Industries company and also part of its aerospace business unit, is a global leader for aviation coatings and sealants.
    Pittsburgh-based PPG also is a worldwide supplier of automotive and flat glass, automotive, industrial and packaging coatings, fiber glass and chemicals. The company had sales in 2000 of nearly $8.4 billion.
    Internet: www.ppg.com