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Airbus China expects dual A330/A320neo delivery in September
February 10th 2017
Airbus China this week said it plans to start assembly of the first A320neo at its Tianjin plant in July, with first delivery “to an Asian customer” in September. Read More »
Airbus’ Tianjin facility has delivered more than 300 A320 aircraft since it opened in 2008. It delivered 153 aircraft to Chinese operators in 2016, including 141 A320 Family jets and twelve A330s, its seventh consecutive year of more than 100 deliveries.
The Tianjin plant produces four A320s a month. From July, its deliveries will comprise both ceos and neos.
According to Airbus China, there are currently approximately 1,400 Airbus aircraft in service in the Mainland, representing almost half of the 100-plus-seater segment.
September will mark a milestone for Airbus China. In addition to launching the A320neo, the facility aims to also deliver its first A330 widebody from its Tianjin A330 cabin completion and delivery centre.
Rival Boeing plans to open a B737 plant on the Mainland this year.
Separately, Airbus last week confirmed to Orient Aviation that the first A320neo built and then rejected by Qatar Airways “is now being delivered to IndiGo”, adding three other neos equally rejected by the Qataris are “now being placed with new customers”.
“We have sold more than 5,000 A320neo Family aircraft to more than 90 customers and there is strong demand for any delivery slots that become available earlier than expected,” Airbus said.
In further updates, the Toulouse-headquartered manufacturer has confirmed that Air France has converted its two remaining A380 orders in commitments for three A350-900s.
