Airbus, one of the world's leading aircraft manufacturers, opened its Beijing Engineering Center on Thursday. Airbus president and CEO Dr. Gustav Humbert was on hand to grace the opening ceremony. Also present was Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero of Spain.

 

Zapatero said that Airbus is a successful cooperation model involving Spain, the United Kingdom, France and Germany. Its business in China has strategic meaning.

 

"I am very pleased to have chosen China as my first overseas trip since I became president and CEO of Airbus. China is a very important and strategic part of Airbus' global plan. Airbus highly values cooperation with the Chinese aviation industry," Humbert said during the ceremony.

 

Airbus will allocate up to five percent work share to China in the A350 program.

 

A first group of engineers, having just completed their training in Europe, has already started working at the center. According to ramp-up plans, the number of engineers employed by the center is to increase to 50 by the end of this year, and to 200 by 2008.

 

China reportedly has a view to becoming a full risk-sharing partner in a future Airbus program for new generation aircraft. The center therefore plays a key and unique role in developing an even closer relationship between Airbus and the Chinese aviation industry.

 

A risk-sharing partner takes complete responsibility for a part of a program, from design to manufacturing, including the corresponding investment and profit sharing.

 

Also on Thursday, Air China signed a contract with Airbus for the purchase of 20 Airbus A330-200s.

 

The planes are scheduled for delivery from May 2006. China Aviation Supplies Import and Export Group (CASC) was also involved in this deal.

 

Air China President Li Jiaxiang, CASC President Li Hai and Humbert signed the contract at the Great Hall of the People.

 

"These 20 A330-200 aircraft will help us expand our fleet and open new international routes, " Li said.

 

"The A330-200 will also further strengthen our reliability, punctuality and efficiency, and improve our competitiveness in the global market," Li added.

 

Air China's now has 16 A319s, five A320s and six A340s in its fleet.

 

Humbert said: "Airbus enjoys a good and long lasting relationship with CASC, and we highly appreciate the confidence CASC has shown in Airbus over the years."

 

Airbus' China business has been steadily expanding since it first entered the China market in 1985. The Airbus fleet in service on the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong and Macao has grown to nearly 300 aircraft today from just 29 in 1995.

 

(Xinhua News Agency July 22, 2005)