France keen on trunk-line project

TIANJIN: France is keen to cooperate with China on the ambitious trunk-line aircraft project, according to Anne-Marie Idrac, minister of State for Foreign Trade, France.

"We believe that China's plan to manufacture its own trunk-line aircraft will usher in a bright future. We are willing to deliver our contribution (to the program)," Idrac said on the sidelines of Aeromart Tianjin 2009.

Although the Chinese aviation authorities are yet to kick-start the outsourcing bid procedures for the high-profile project, the French companies are ready to take advantage of the opportunities that may emerge. Two French companies, Safran and Thales, are keen on providing equipments for the program, Idrac said.