Tianjin (TDI): European aerospace giant Airbus has inaugurated its first safety promotion center in China at its Tianjin facility, a move aimed at reinforcing safety culture and raising awareness across the aviation sector.
Speaking at the launch, George Xu, Airbus Executive Vice President and CEO of Airbus China, highlighted the center’s role in fostering a deeper understanding of aviation safety.
“The center will help us enhance safety awareness and ensure the effective implementation of safety measures,” he said.
Airbus has been steadily expanding its presence in China, with 2024 marking a year of significant industrial upgrades.
The company has been ramping up production capacity in Tianjin to meet surging market demand, underscoring its long-term commitment to the country, according to Xinhua.
At the 15th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition in Zhuhai last month, Airbus signed multiple agreements with partners, focusing on customer service, sustainability, innovation, and industrial cooperation.
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China is poised to play a critical role in Airbus’ growth strategy.
The company forecasts a demand for over 9,500 new passenger and freighter aircraft in China over the next two decades, accounting for more than 20% of global requirements.
Tianjin: Hub for Airbus
Since 2008, the Airbus Tianjin facility has delivered more than 750 A320 Family aircraft, 16 A330s, and 24 A350s.
Approximately one-third of all Airbus planes operated by Chinese airlines are assembled in Tianjin.
The second A320 Family Final Assembly Line (FAL) in Tianjin, currently under construction, is expected to begin operations in 2026.
This will further bolster Airbus’ global production network, which will then include 10 FALs worldwide, two of which will be in Tianjin.
According to Xu, the new FAL will deepen Airbus’ collaboration with Chinese partners, particularly in the areas of wing and fuselage production.
Airbus Tianjin’s proximity to AVIC Xi’an Aircraft International Corporation (XAT) reduces transportation time for wings by 60 days compared to shipping from the UK, significantly enhancing efficiency.
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Airbus’ relationship with Chinese suppliers has grown substantially.
AVIC XAT, a key partner, was recognized at the 2024 Airbus Global Supplier Conference for its timely and efficient delivery of A320 wings despite global supply chain challenges.
In 2024, AVIC XAT expanded its cooperation with Airbus to include the A321 model.
Currently, over 200 Chinese suppliers contribute to Airbus’ commercial aircraft production, cementing the country’s role as a crucial part of the global aviation supply chain.
