Chinese airlines opt for Airbus

Three Chinese airlines have signed contracts worth around $3.2 billion for the purchase of 30 Airbus aircraft.

China Southern Airlines has signed with Airbus for five A380s; whilst China Eastern Airlines has signed with Airbus for five A319s, 11 A321s and four A320s. Shenzhen Airlines has signed with China Aviation Supplies Import & Export Group Corporation (CASGC) and Airbus for three A320s and two A319s.

“This year is the twentieth anniversary of Airbus’ entry into the Chinese market,” said Philippe Delmas, Airbus Executive Vice President Government Relations, Communications and External Affairs.

“Over the past two decades, Airbus has maintained excellent co-operation with Chinese airlines and government departments, and devoted all efforts to carrying out industrial co-operation with our partners and providing first-class customer services,” added Delmas.

Airbus says its business in China has been steadily expanding since it first entered the country in 1985. The Airbus fleet in service in the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong and Macao has grown to more than 280 today from 29 in 1995.

A $80 million training and support centre is fully operational in Beijing and five Chinese companies are already involved in producing parts for Airbus aircraft.