Collaborative breakthrough based-on VICTREX LMPAEK™ technology to deliver sustainable, high-performance solution for commercial aviation
Thornton Cleveleys (UK), January 13, 2026 – Daher has been honoured with the prestigious JEC Composites Innovation Award – Aerospace (Parts) at JEC World Premiere 2026 in Paris, France. The award celebrates the most innovative, global composite solutions.
Daher’s Highly Loaded Thermoplastic Wing Rib was developed for the next generation of commercial aircraft. This breakthrough in aerospace composites and sustainable aviation technology was achieved through a powerful collaboration involving Victrex, Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST), Cetim – Centre technique des industries mécaniques, AniForm Engineering B.V. and Direction Générale de l’Aviation Civile, addressing key challenges shaping the future of aviation: decarbonisation, cost efficiency, and high-rate production.
Advancing Aerospace Structures with Lightweight, Sustainable Thermoplastics
The Highly Loaded Thermoplastic Wing Rib made with VICTREX LMPAEK™ thermoplastic composites represents a major step forward in aerospace composite technology. Key features include:
- Carbon-Fibre-Reinforced thermoplastic (CFRTP) composite rib reaching up to 64 plies (12 mm)
- Optimised design improving mass-to-cost ratio
- Direct Stamping® to cut cycle time and manufacturing cost
- Infrared welding enabling fast, rivet-free assembly
Benefits of the VICTREX LMPAEK™ Composite Wing Rib
The innovation delivers four major benefits for the aerospace industry, enabled by VICTREX LMPAEK™ thermoplastic composites:
- 22% weight reduction vs. aluminium
- 15% assembly cost reduction vs. bolted assembly
- 25% production cycle time reduction
- 12.5 t CO₂ saved per rib over an aircraft’s lifetime
- Full recyclability thanks to thermoplastic materials
Launched in 2021, this project paves the way for a new generation of sustainable, high-performance aircraft structures.
Collaborating for the Next Era of Thermoplastic Aerospace Composites
Victrex is proud to have contributed to this award-winning innovation and grateful for the outstanding collaboration across all partners involved.
Our VICTREX LMPAEK™ composites played a key role in enabling a lightweight, high-performance thermoplastic solution that supports faster assembly and improved sustainability.
This achievement reflects our commitment to supporting customers with dedicated development support and advancing aerospace technologies that reduce weight, cut emissions, and deliver cost efficiencies for next-generation aircraft.
Join Us at JEC World 2026
Victrex looks forward to continuing this journey towards more sustainable aviation. We invite you to meet us at JEC World 2026 in Paris, 10–12 March, to explore how Victrex thermoplastic composites can help shape the future of aerospace. Visit us in Hall 5, Booth E13 or contact us to learn more.
About Victrex
Victrex is an innovative world leader in high-performance PEEK and PAEK polymer solutions focusing on the strategic markets of automotive, aerospace, energy (including manufacturing and engineering), electronics and medical. Every day, millions of people use sustainable products and applications containing our materials – from smartphones, airplanes and cars to oil and gas operations and medical devices. With over 40 years‘ experience, our Polymer and Parts strategy sees us develop we are developing world leading solutions with PEEK and PAEK-based polymers and selected semi-finished and finished parts which shape future performance for our customers and our markets, deliver environmental and societal benefits, and drive value for our shareholders. Find out more at www.victrex.com
About Daher
Daher is an aircraft manufacturer and an industry leader in industrial services and logistics. With a strong focus on innovation and operational excellence, Daher supports aerospace and advanced technology sectors worldwide. The company combines expertise in aerostructures, systems integration, and supply chain solutions to deliver high-performance, sustainable solutions for the aviation industry.
www.daher.com
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