Wednesday June 24, 2009
Airbus yesterday delivered the first A320 built at its Tianjin final assembly line to Sichuan Airlines, while executives told ATWOnline that the company's effort to expand its profile in China has included discussions with Air China and China Eastern Airlines about the A380.
Sichuan was the first Chinese carrier to fly the A320 (in 1995) and now operates 41 from the family. The new aircraft, on lease from Dragon Aviation Leasing, is powered by IAE V2500s, which will be on nine of the first 10 A320s assembled in TianjinÂ
There are nearly 400 A320s in operation for 11 Chinese airlines and Airbus is hoping that the Tianjin facility increases its market penetration. The 487 Airbus aircraft in service in China at the end of May accounted for just over 40% of the market and there are more than 380 backlogged orders. "We deliver more aircraft to China than we can produce in Tianjin. Seventy A320 family aircraft alone will be delivered to Chinese carriers this year," Airbus China President Lawrence Barron explained.
COO-Customers John Leahy said the manufacturer wants a 50% share by 2012. "In 1995 we had 7%. Now we have 40% and I hope that we have an A350 Chinese airline customer very soon," he said.
Another A380 order may be in the offing as well (China Southern Airlines already is a customer). Airbus President and CEO Tom Enders told this website at yesterday's delivery ceremony that he spoke with Air China executives about the A380 Monday, and Leahy added that CEA also has shown interest. "There is a lot of interest from these carriers. One day, the A380 will operate more frequently into China. China Southern will start in 2011, and more [customers] will come," Enders predicted. "In our 20 years forecast we have calculated 190 A380s for China," Barron said.
ATWOnline observed several more aircraft under construction during its visit to the FAL, including planes for Shenzhen Airlines and China Eastern. On Monday, the second A320 assembled there, destined for Hainan Airlines, made a 7-hr. maiden flight.
by Kurt Hofmann