Airbus Opens Composite Manufacturing Centre in Harbin, China

Airbus has inaugurated its new composite manufacturing centre in Harbin, China.

A joint venture between Airbus and its Chinese partners, the new facilities will mainly be used to manufacture composite parts for the A350 XWB, Airbus’ latest aircraft programme.

The 33,800-square-metres state-of-the-art facilities which have opened are the first of what will be an 80,000-square-metres manufacturing compound, comprising production, technical support, office areas and other services.

Li Fangyong, Vice President of the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), said, “The inauguration of the Manufacturing Centre demonstrates we are well prepared for the production of the A350 XWB components. It’s our honour and pleasure to be involved in the production of the world’s most advanced aircraft, the A350 XWB, and to become an integrated part of the global supply chain of Airbus, the world’s leading aircraft manufacturer.”

The Harbin Manufacturing Centre will produce A350 XWB components (53% of the aircraft’s structure will be made of composite materials) including rudders, elevators, Section 19 maintenance doors and belly fairing parts – all in all a significant part of the 5% A350 XWB airframe work packages share to be carried out in China. The Manufacturing Centre uses the world’s most advanced equipment and technology, including automated-tape-laying, autoclave, automated trimming, and non-destructive test equipment.

The construction started in June 2009. The facilities were built to the highest industry standards and eco-efficiency has been a decisive factor when designing its buildings and processes. Key features to minimize its environmental footprint include the management of heating, lighting, power and electricity systems, careful management of the supply chain and environmental awareness training for employees and suppliers. By 2016, around 600 employees are expected to be working at the Harbin Manufacturing Centre.

So far, the A350 XWB has won 583 firm orders from 36 customers. Development of the A350 XWB programme is progressing on track towards entry into service in the second half of 2013. The final assembly of A350 XWB will start at the end of this year at the new Final Assembly building in Toulouse, France.

See other recent news regarding: Airlines, Airports, Awards, Flights, Codeshare, FFP, Inflight, Lounges, First Class, Business Class, MICE, GDS, Rewards, Miles, Hotels, Apartments, Promotions, Spas, Yoga, Retreat, New Hotels, Traffic, Visitor Arrivals, Cruises, Free Deals, Interviews, Videos, Airbus, Harbin