Cranfield to train top engineers from China

Cranfield University has sealed an agreement with a major Chinese aviation corporation to train 150 of the company's engineers in aircraft and jet engine design, with the aim of creating a 130-seat airliner.

A ceremony took place yesterday at Cranfield University to mark the beginning of a three-year collaboration between China Aviation Industry Corporation I (AVIC I) and Cranfield. The initiative is part of a wider drive by the Chinese aviation industry to invest in civil aviation and propulsion systems by training large numbers of aircraft and gas turbine engine design engineers.

AVIC I turned to Cranfield for its expertise in aerospace engineering and power and propulsion to develop the Civil Aircraft and Engine Team Training Programmes. Cranfield will train, at postgraduate level, 25 engineers in civil aircraft design and 25 in jet engine design each year for three years.

Cranfield is no stranger to preparing top engineers for careers in the aerospace sector. Formerly the College of Aeronautics and Cranfield Institute of Technology, the University has been at the forefront of aerospace technology for 60 years, with clients including Airbus, Boeing, Rolls-Royce and BAE Systems.

The ceremony was hosted by Professor Minoo Patel, Head of the School of Engineering at Cranfield. Distinguished guests at the event included the University's Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir John O'Reilly, Senior Vice President of AVIC I Mr Yuhai Li, the Director of Technology Research and Development Department of AVIC I Mr Jinzhong Wei, the Deputy Director of Training Department of AVIC I Ms Su Xiao, the Commercial Minister Counselor Madam Fan Jiang, the Education Minister Counselor Mr Yongda Wang.