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)