Aircraft manufacturing giant Airbus has announced plans to set up an A330 completion and delivery center (C&DC) in Tianjin, northern China, the Xinhua News Agency reported.
The setting up of the A330 C&DC in Tianjin was made possible by a framework agreement signed at the Airbus site in Toulouse, France, by Airbus and its Chinese partners, namely the Tianjin Free Trade Zone Investment Company Ltd. (TJFTZ) and the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC).
"The signature of this framework agreement on the A330 completion and delivery center will open a new chapter of strategic cooperation on wide-body aircraft with China. Together, we will develop new facilities and capabilities, and attract new suppliers and businesses in China," Fabrice Bregier, Airbus president and CEO, was quoted as saying.
According to the company's press statement, the planned A330 C&DC will be located near the site of the Airbus A320 family final assembly line in Tianjin.
Airbus said that the center will be used for aircraft completion activities, including cabin installation, aircraft painting, reception, engine run and flight test, as well as aircraft delivery and customer flight acceptance.
Around 250 people will be employed in the plant, which is estimated to produce an output of two aircraft per month. The first delivery is planned by the end of 2017, Airbus added.
Airbus also signed a letter of intent with AVIC regarding cabin development cooperation and procurement frame contract, as well as with Zhejiang Xizi Aerospace Fastener Co. Ltd. for design, development, manufacturing, and supply of standard fastener parts.
Currently, the in-service Airbus fleet with Chinese operators is made up of more than 1,150 aircraft (over 150 A330 Family and over 980 A320 Family aircraft).
Airbus is expecting a demand in China for more than 5,300 new commercial passenger aircraft sized over 100 seats plus freighters between 2014 and 2033.