Airbus to set up engineering centre By Wang Zhuoqiong (China Daily) Updated: 2004-11-02 08:54
Zhuhai: Aircraft maker Airbus will set up an engineering centre in China next
year to further strengthen its Research & Development (R&D) strategy in
addition to its significantly increasing procurement in China.
The centre will employ 50 Chinese engineers next year and will employ around
200 people by the end of 2008.
"The move is a preparatory step to facilitate China to become a full
risk-sharing partner in a future new Airbus programme, with at least a 10 per
cent share," said Laurence Barron, Airbus China President in a press conference
at the ongoing Zhuhai Airshow.
Although its location has not yet been decided, Beijing is considered as a
possible choice.
This is the second major industry co-operation between the aircraft maker and
the Chinese aviation industry since October.
On October 9, Airbus signed an agreement which targets an annual volume of
US$120 million by 2010, double the target for 2007 and up US$105 million of
today's level.
Also during the press conference, Airbus announced the signature of an
agreement between Airbus and Xi'an Aircraft Corporation.
According to the agreement, Xi'an Aircraft Corporation (XAC) will become the
sole supplier of electronics bay doors for the Airbus A320 Family aircraft by
2006.
Five Chinese companies are already involved in producing parts for Airbus
aircraft, namely Chengdu Aircraft Corporation, Shenyang Aircraft Corporation,
Xi'an Aircraft Company, Hong Yuan Aviation Forging & Casting and the Guizhou
Aviation Industrial Group.
To date, of the more than 3,500 Airbus aircraft in operation worldwide, over
half have components produced in China.
Total value of projects subcontracted by Airbus to Chinese manufacturers has
exceeded US$500 million since 1985.
Driven by China's continuing robust growth in gross domestic product and air
traffic, Airbus's presence in the Chinese market has been increasing, with 50
new orders from Chinese airlines this year and more than 40 new Airbus aircrafts
expected to be delivered to airlines in the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong and
Macao in the near future.
"Our goal is to take at least a 50 per cent market share in China," Barron
said.
Last year, Airbus overtook its rival Boeing in global commercial plane
deliveries.
