Airbus Signs LOI for A330 Completion and Delivery Centre in Tianjin

Airbus and its Chinese partners, the Tianjin Free Trade Zone (TJFTZ) and the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), have re-confirmed their intention to set up an A330 Completion and Delivery Centre in Tianjin by signing a Letter of Intent.

This follows the successful establishment of an A320 Family Final Assembly Line and Delivery Center in the Chinese city and takes into account the need to support the fast growth of air traffic in China with larger aircraft.

The A330 Completion and Delivery Centre in Tianjin (C&DC Tianjin) will likely cover activities such as cabin installation, aircraft painting, engine runs and aircraft delivery.

The aircraft would first be assembled in Toulouse and then fly to China for their completion in Tianjin.

“In its 30 years history the Airbus partnership with China keeps on growing and expanding. The intended establishment of an A330 Completion and Delivery Centre will add a new exciting chapter to our longstanding track record of mutual achievements,” said Fabrice Bregier, Airbus President and CEO.

At present, the in-service Airbus fleet with Chinese operators comprises over 1,000 aircraft (around 140 A330 Family and over 920 A320 Family aircraft).

In the 20-year period between 2014 to 2033 Airbus forecasts a demand in China for more than 5,300 new commercial aircraft over 100 seats plus freighters.

The A330 Family, which spans 250 to 300 seats, has now attracted more than 1,300 orders, with over 1,000 aircraft flying today with more than 100 operators worldwide.