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Hexcel Composites Ltd • Duxford, Cambridge CB22 4QD, United Kingdom • Telephone +44 (0)1223 833141

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Farnborough, UK, 9 July 2012: Hexcel, a leading composites developer and manufacturer, has joined Singapore's Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) Aerospace Programme (AP). This announcement was made during the opening of the Farnborough Air Show 2012.

Initiated in 2007, the A*STAR Aerospace Programme fosters synergies between industry members and its research institutes, maximising research outcomes and stretching the research dollar for participating members. Singapore is the largest Manufacturing, Repair & Overhaul (MRO) hub for the aerospace industry in Asia Pacific, holding a quarter of the region's market share for MRO activities. It possesses nose-to-tail capabilities that include airframe maintenance, engine overhaul, structural and avionics systems repair, as well as aircraft modifications and conversion. As strategic technology partners within the A*STAR AP, aircraft manufacturers, engine and component OEM's and system providers can tap into the pool of scientific know-how, infrastructure and joint investments in R&D to optimise business opportunities and reduce investment costs. Such collaborative efforts will also enhance competitiveness of AP members and the build-up of aviation capabilities in Singapore.

To date, the consortium has commissioned 37 projects, driving next-generation technologies ranging from sophisticated in-flight entertainment systems, MRO innovations for faster turnaround times and alternative green energy sources that lower carbon footprint. With Hexcel coming on board the A*STAR AP, its membership currently stands at 18 companies, comprising of other leading players in the aerospace industry such as Boeing, EADS, General Electric, Pratt & Whitney and Rolls Royce.

Paul Mackenzie, Hexcel's VP Research & Technology said: "Joining the A*STAR Aerospace programme will provide Hexcel with additional R&T resources in Singapore and the Asia-Pacific region to complement our own world class composites research facilities in Europe and the USA. We share the opinion of other A*STAR members that technological advances through R&D hold the key to redefining air travel and creating the aerospace industry of the future. We look forward to working with other A*STAR members to jointly build a long term technology roadmap and develop new technologies in strategic areas to benefit the industry as a whole."

Mr Tay Kok Khiang, A*STAR Aerospace Programme's Chairman said: "The demands on the aviation industry can only continue to increase and the AP offers our aviation partners additional capabilities, combined with its in-house capabilities to undertake R&D in new technologies to enhance their competitiveness and seize market opportunities. Through collaboration, our consortium members achieve better outcomes at lower cost, deliver cutting-edge aviation technologies to market in a shorter span of time. Each of the AP members enhances the value of the programme and Hexcel's expertise in the area of composite materials will further increase our spectrum of capabilities in advanced materials, manufacturing processes, inspection and non-destructive testing as well as computation modelling and simulation. We welcome Hexcel to the A*STAR Aerospace Programme."

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Photo caption: Tay Kok Khiang, Chairman and Yash Gupta, Director of A*STAR's Aerospace Programme meeting with Thierry Merlot, Hexcel VP & General Manager for Europe, Middle East, Africa & Asia Pacific and Gerard Chekherdemian, Hexcel Sales Director for Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa.

About Hexcel
www.hexcel.com
Hexcel Corporation is a leading advanced composites company. It develops, manufactures and markets lightweight, high-performance structural materials, including carbon fibers, reinforcements for composites, prepregs, honeycomb, matrix systems, adhesives and composite structures, used in commercial aerospace, space and defense and industrial applications.

About the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)
A*STAR is the lead agency for fostering world-class scientific research and talent for a vibrant knowledge-based and innovative-driven Singapore. A*STAR oversees 14 biomedical sciences, and physical sciences and engineering research institutes, and seven consortia & centres, which are located in Biopolis and Fusionopolis, as well as their immediate vicinity.

A*STAR supports Singapore's key economic clusters by providing intellectual, human and industrial capital to its partners in industry. It also supports extramural research in the universities, hospitals, research centres, and with other local and international partners.www.a-star.edu.sg.

Media Enquiries

Hexcel
Rachel Owen
Communications Manager
Tel: +44 (0)1223 838370
Email: rachel.owen@hexcel.com

A*STAR
Science & Engineering Research Council (SERC)
Ms Melissa Loh
Assistant Manager, Corporate Communications
Tel: 6874 6852
Email: lohsm@scei.a-star.edu.sg

Ms Caroline Chia
Corporate Communications
Tel: 6796 3884
Email: chialic@scei.a-star.edu.sg