Airbus, China to enhance cooperation in aviation and aerospace

BEIJING - Airbus and China will strengthen and deepen mutually beneficial collaboration in the aviation and aerospace industries, said Airbus China on Thursday.

According to Airbus China, Airbus and China have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on aviation and aerospace, further enhancing the spirit of cooperation.

The MoU was signed in Berlin by Fabrice Bregier, Airbus COO and President of Commercial Aircraft, and He Lifeng, head of the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) of China.

The success of industrial cooperation between Airbus and China makes it a model of high-tech and win-win partnership between China and Europe, said Bregier.

"Together with our Chinese partners, we are confident in meeting the new challenges and opportunities and look forward to an even deeper and broader partnership," said Bregier.

Based on an already established solid foundation, Airbus and China will support the development of engineering skills and technological innovation in China and also promote the integration of Chinese suppliers into Airbus's global supply chain.

On May 27, Airbus began construction of its first helicopter assembly line in China. The plant, which is designed to produce 18 H135 helicopters a year, will be completed in 2018.

According to Airbus China, Airbus is expected to deliver its first A330 aircraft in September 2017 from its completion and delivery center in north China's Tianjin.

The Airbus (Tianjin) Final Assembly Co, Ltd will begin assembly of its first Airbus A320neo before the end of 2017.