AeroMat 2025 Top Takeaways: Innovation, Collaboration, and the Future of Flight

By Paul Smith, Global CAE Leader, Aerospace, and Chair of the AeroMat 2025 Organizing Committee

The Constellium team, ready for their five presentations and three days of networking 

Constellium was proud to contribute to another standout edition of AeroMat, the premier conference on advanced aerospace materials and processes—hosted by ASM International and held, for the first time outside the U.S., in beautiful Vancouver. More than 150 aerospace organizations joined this year’s edition, “Innovations in Materials Engineering: Shaping the Future of the Aerospace Industry.”

As Chair of the AeroMat 2025 organizing committee, I was proud to collaborate with ASM and colleagues across the industry to help guide an event that brought together so many brilliant minds and enthusiastic professionals. 

Here are the top takeaways from an unforgettable week:

1) Three Standout Keynotes Set the Tone

This year’s keynote speakers brought both energy and insight, bridging the industry’s legacy with its future.

• Dr. Rajiv Mishra (University of North Texas) looked back on 30 years of pioneering work in friction stir technologies—and offered a glimpse of what’s next.
• Bertrand Duthille (Airbus Canada) chronicled the transformation of the Bombardier C-Series into the Airbus A220.
• Dr. Julien Boselli (Blue Origin) gave a fascinating materials and processes perspective on preparing for the successful first launch of the New Glenn rocket.
   

2) Spotlight on Advanced Air Mobility (AAM)

A dynamic 90-minute panel brought together OEMs, operators, regulators, and federal agencies to explore the opportunities and challenges in the emerging AAM sector.

These next generation air transportation systems are being designed to move people and goods on demand, at low altitudes, and within urban, suburban, and rural environments. AAM promises to transform how communities connect and operate, and AeroMat 2025 helped set the stage for what’s ahead.
 

3) Constellium Showcased Technical Leadership

Constellium was proud to contribute to five technical presentations at AeroMat 2025, reflecting our ongoing commitment to advancing aerospace materials alongside some of the industry’s most innovative players—including partners Relativity Space, Airbus Atlantic, and Northrop Grumman.

Among the highlights: a preview of our new 2074 (part of the Airware® family) and 2042 aluminum alloys. Engineered for weight reduction and performance in demanding environments, these materials represent the next step in supporting lighter, more efficient aerospace vehicles. 
 

4) Celebrating Canadian Aerospace Excellence

With AeroMat 2025 taking place in Vancouver, the program put a welcome spotlight on Canadian contributions to aerospace innovation, including a keynote by Airbus Canada, and participation by Transport Canada, CAAM, Harbour Air and the University of British Columbia.
 

5) Stronger Together: Collaboration Was the Common Thread

Across keynotes, technical sessions, and panels, one theme was clear: collaboration is driving the future of aerospace. Whether it was our joint presentations with Relativity Space and Airbus Atlantic, or the international research efforts between the German Aerospace Center (DLR) and University of British Columbia, AeroMat 2025 showcased how partnerships across industry, academia, and government are accelerating progress—from materials development to air mobility.
 

It was an honor to serve as Chair of AeroMat 2025 and help shape such a dynamic and globally engaged event. My sincere thanks to ASM International and the entire organizing committee, which includes our own Michael Niedzinski, for their dedication and hard work.

I look forward to continuing the momentum at AeroMat 2026, June 2–4 in West Palm Beach, Florida. It promises to be another exciting opportunity to connect, share, and advance the future of flight together, enabled by lightweight sustainable materials.