Airbus ready to set up A320 assembly line in China

China’s growing attraction for aircraft manufacturers has been emphasised by new plans announced by Sikorsky and Airbus.

China’s growing attraction for aircraft manufacturers has been emphasised by new plans announced by Sikorsky and Airbus.

Airbus, developing a long-term strategic partnership with China, is setting up a final assembly line for its A320 aircraft. The project involves a joint venture between a Chinese consortium led by TJFTZ and Airbus. The agreement is subject to approval by the Airbus board, shareholder EADS and the Beijing government.

EADS co-ceo Louis Gallois says: “The aircraft sections will continue to be produced in Europe but the establishment of such as assembly line, which will deliver aircraft to the same standards as those

produced in Europe, is beneficial to both China and Europe.”

He adds: “We look forward to the day when we can deliver the first aircraft assembled in China to this fast growing and dynamic market.” Six Chinese manufacturers are involved in producing parts.

In a separate development Sikorsky is starting to move production of subsidiary Schweizer’s S300 light single piston helicopter to China in phases. Schweizer has selected Jiangxi Changhe Aircraft Company to supply airframe components and assemblies for the Schweizer 300CBi helicopter.

This contract follows an MoU agreement in June between Sikorsky and China Aviation Industry Corporation II (AVIC II) for collaboration on the development and manufacture of civil helicopters. AVIC II is the parent company of Jiangxi Changhe.

Carey Bond, Sikorsky vp for corporate strategy and advanced programmes says: “Sikorsky is committed to investing in China and developing additional strategic partnerships with AVIC II.”

Schweizer 300CBi helicopters are used worldwide for activities including training, transportation, aerial photography and air patrol. Changhe will ship the airframe and detail parts that it manufactures to Schweizer’s Elmira, New York, facility in the U.S. where 300BCi helicopters will be assembled, test flown and delivered to customers.

Bond says: “Demand for the 300BCi remains strong. Adding Changhe to the supply chain will enable Schweizer to increase its production rate, better meet customer requirements and provide additional customer value for a world-class product.”

Under the MOU, Sikorsky and AVIC II agreed to discuss helicopter manufacturing, assembly, flight test, engineering design and analysis, and new product development in the light, intermediate, and medium classes.

In June Sikorsky announced plans to expand Schweizer with a new 100,000 square-foot rapid prototyping and military derivatives completion centre to serve as the primary completion centre for Black Hawk and Naval Hawk derivative aircraft beginning in 2007. “The agreement with Changhe will free resources at Schweizer to meet expected future demand for Black Hawk and Naval Hawk derivatives,” says Bond. “It will also free resources for covert surveillance aircraft, the RQ-8B Fire Scout unmanned air vehicle, and prototyping work on the X2 Technology™ demonstrator. “

Sikorsky’s business relationship with AVIC II dates back more than a decade to the development of the S-92A helicopter. Jiangxi Changhe manufactures the S-92A helicopter tail pylon.