A long-term and reliable partner for China
Airbus has been present in China for several decades. As China and the Asia-Pacific region continue to show strong signs of growth, this presence is expanding rapidly. With the rapid development of its aviation and aerospace industry, China has become an important market for Airbus, as well as a strategic partner and supplier.
By building its own facilities and working closely with local partners, the company is not only providing local customers with better service, but also giving exciting opportunities to its global workforce.
Our impact
Over the past decades, Airbus has been providing Chinese customers with the most modern and comprehensive family of aircraft on the market. China has become the biggest single country market of Airbus around the world. To date, Airbus in-service fleet in the Chinese mainland reached over 2,200 aircraft with some 55% market share in mainland China.
Industrial co-operation between Airbus and the Chinese aviation industry dates back to 1985, when CAAC of Shanghai, now China Eastern Airlines, became the first carrier in China to operate the European consortium’s aircraft. Contracts for Chinese companies to build sections of Airbus aircraft followed, as did further orders from Chinese airlines.
The total value of industrial cooperation between Airbus and the Chinese aviation industry reached $140 million in 2009 and has now raised to over US $1 billion.
Our products & services
China is fully equipped with Airbus latest products ranging from A320, A330 and A350. The services scope also covers the entire lifecycle from pre-delivery support, in-flight operation till end-of-life.
Commercial Aircraft in China
Our products & services
China is the largest single country market of Airbus commercial aircraft and represents around 20% of Airbus total annual deliveries in recent years. To date, there are more than 2,200 Airbus aircraft flying with the Chinese mainland airlines including passenger aircraft and freighters in China’s mainland, representing 55% of the market share.
Besides selling aircraft, Airbus also offers customised services to customers in China.
Helicopters in China
Our products & services
Airbus Helicopters is the leader with a 33% market share representing over 330 helicopters flying across the country serving 94 customers.
Today, China still has great demand in enhancing its emergency rescue, emergency medical services, public security law enforcement, electric power inspection, environmental monitoring, and general aviation transportation. To grow with the Chinese market, Airbus Helicopters China provides end-to-end solutions to Chinese operators, from industry to maintenance and after sales support.
Space in China
Our products & services
Beijing SPOT Satellite Image Co., Ltd. was jointly established by Airbus Defence and Space and its Chinese partner for earth observation satellite imagery products and services. It also provides data services for many national-level projects led by China’s Ministries.
Secure Land Communication (SLC) focused on providing Chinese customers with advanced, reliable, and secure digital Trans European Trunked Radio (TETRA) communication solutions.
Innovation in China
The Chinese operations of Airbus Innovations – Airbus China R&D Centre in Suzhou (leveraging China’s industrial ecosystem to pursue the Airbus sustainability ambition in China), and Airbus China Innovation Centre (ACIC) in Shenzhen (accessing a highly advanced digital innovation ecosystem).
They focus on bringing Airbus resources together with Chinese organisations to embed with China’s local sustainability and innovation ecosystem including talents, partners and resources, combined with the Company’s expertise in aerospace, to discover promising technologies, to identify solutions enabling new business, and to support local business growth.
A long-term reliable partner for China
Our partnerships
The country is also home to a growing number of Airbus manufacturing and support operations, including its first final assembly line outside Europe, which was inaugurated in Tianjin in September 2008. This joint venture between Airbus and a Chinese consortium of Tianjin Free Trade Zone (TJFTZ) and Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) was extended in March 2014 until 2025. Other Airbus facilities set up through partnerships with local companies are as follow.
Widebody Completion and Delivery Centre in Tianjin (C&DC)
Our partnerships
It is located near the site of the Airbus A320 Family Final Assembly Line in Tianjin. The facility covers the aircraft completion activities including reception, cabin installation, aircraft painting, engine run and flight test, as well as aircraft delivery and customer flight acceptance.
Airbus China R&D and Innovation Centre (ACRI)
Our partnerships
ACRI includes the Airbus China R&D Centre in Suzhou (leveraging China’s industrial ecosystem to pursue the Airbus sustainability ambition in China), and Airbus China Innovation Centre (ACIC) in Shenzhen (accessing a highly advanced digital innovation ecosystem).
Its mission is to embed with China’s local sustainability and innovation ecosystem including talents, partners and resources, combined with the Company’s expertise in aerospace, to discover promising technologies, to identify solutions enabling new business, and to support local business growth.
Airbus Aircraft Lifecycle Services Centre
Our partnerships
It’s a joint venture between Airbus, Chengdu city and TARMAC Aerosave. It is the first one-stop service centre for aged aircraft established by Airbus in China with the concept of sustainable development. It provides a wide range of second-life services, including aircraft parking and storage, return-to-service check or upgrade, airframe maintenance, disassembling and recycling, P2F, USM trading, etc.
Latest from China
In the spotlight
- Press releases Helicopters
Guangzhou Public Security Bureau takes delivery of its first Airbus H175 helicopter
Airbus Helicopters has delivered the first H175 helicopter to the aviation force of the Guangzhou Public Security Bureau (GZP). - Stories Innovation
The Future is Calling: Unveiling Airbus' Private 5G Network
- Press releases Helicopters
China’s first helicopter flight using sustainable aviation fuel
- Press releases Innovation
Airbus inaugurates its Research Centre in China
- Press releases Commercial Aircraft
Airbus and China aviation industry sign next phase in partnership