Airbus bets on alliances with local companies for growth

Airbus, one of the largest helicopter sellers in the world, will step up its localization strategy and investment in China, a top company official said.

Marie-Agnes Veve, managing director, Airbus Helicopters China, said the company currently has a 37 percent market share in the country's civil and para-public helicopter market and about 300 of its helicopters are currently in operation.

"Close to 1,000 civil turbine and piston helicopters are flying in China, while in comparison, the numbers are 12,000 in the United States and 8,000 in Europe. Government policies for the general aviation industry are also spurring the industry's growth," she said.