greenfield projects are largely on track and will support growing demand for aluminum beverage cans in 2021 and beyond.
Beverage Packaging, South America
Beverage packaging, South America, comparable segment operating earnings for second quarter were $78 million on sales of $452 million compared to $46 million on sales of $329 million in 2020. For the first six months, comparable segment operating earnings were $171 million on sales of $939 million compared to $109 million on sales of $734 million during the same period in 2020. Year-over-year sales reflect higher shipments, the contractual pass through of higher aluminum costs and improved mix.
Segment volume ended the quarter up 15% and second quarter earnings also reflect favorable price/mix and solid operating performance across South America. In Brazil, demand remains strong and continues to outstrip supply despite COVID-19 related restrictions and cooler than anticipated weather.
To support long-term contracted volume growth and can-filling investments across South America, multiple can manufacturing investments are ongoing across our existing footprint in 2021 and beyond. The previously announced multi-line facility in Frutal, Brazil, is on schedule to begin production in the second half of 2021.
Aerospace
Aerospace comparable segment operating earnings for the second quarter were $34 million on sales of $459 million compared to $30 million on sales of $438 million in 2020. For the first six months, comparable segment operating earnings were $69 million on sales of $883 million compared to $70 million on sales of $870 million during the same period in 2020. Contracted backlog ended the quarter at $3 billion and contracts won, but not yet booked into contracted backlog was $5.1 billion.
Segment results reflect moderation in the inefficiencies created from certain customer supply-chain disruptions. The company continues to win defense, climate change and Earth-monitoring contracts to provide mission-critical programs and technologies to U.S. government, defense, intelligence, and reconnaissance and surveillance customers. New contracts booked late in the second quarter are anticipated to ramp quickly and full-year earnings remain on track to grow double-digits. Hiring to support future growth and multiple projects to expand manufacturing capacity, test capabilities, engineering, and support workspace remain on track.
Non-reportable
In addition to undistributed corporate expenses, the results for the company’s global aluminum aerosol business, beverage can manufacturing facilities in India, Saudi Arabia and Myanmar and investments in the company’s new aluminum cup business continue to be reported in other non-reportable.
Second quarter and year-to-date results reflect higher year-over-year undistributed corporate expenses and marketing costs associated with the aluminum cup national retail launch. During the quarter, the company’s global aluminum aerosol volumes increased 20% versus 2020, and customers continue to pursue sustainable personal care packaging solutions including the company’s new Infinity aluminum bottle.