Tianjin may get A350 airframe work

TIANJIN: In addition to the final assembly line for the Airbus A320 family of aircraft, Tianjin may secure a part of the work that Airbus has allocated to Chinese counterparts for its A350 program.

"Negotiations are underway between Airbus and relevant Chinese counterparts to locate a part of the A350 work in Tianjin. It will involve a new segment within the airplane manufacturing industry," Marc Bertiaux, vice-president of Airbus Cooperation and Partnership with China, said.

Bertiaux did not, however, disclose details of the possible new project in Tianjin citing commercial considerations. Airbus had signed a deal with China's top planning body, the National Development and Reform Commission, in 2007 wherein it agreed to allocate 5 percent of the A350 XWB airframe work to the Chinese aviation industry.