[Avionics Today 07-06-2015] Airbus reaffirmed its strong commercial and industrial ties with China this week, as the airframe manufacturer received its largest-ever A330 commitment from the country, while also creating the framework for setting up an A330 completion and delivery center in Tianjin. The agreement with the Tianjin Free Trade Zone Investment Company (TJFTZ) and the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) is another step forward in relationship that has already led to the A320 Final Assembly Line in Tianjin, the first such Airbus’ site situated outside of Europe.
Airbus A320 Final Assembly Line in China. Photo: Airbus.
Additionally, China Aviation Supplies Holding Company signed a General Terms Agreement for 45 A330s, as well as an additional Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) covering options for 30 A330 aircraft.
To date, Airbus’ presence has grown to include more than 1,150 in-service aircraft — a 50 percent market share in China. Currently, 20 percent of the company’s deliveries are provided to China, a number that will grow as the nation is projected to become the world’s largest market in terms of air traffic, according to Airbus’ latest global market forecast.