Airbus Tianjin Second Assembly Line Launches, Deepening China-EU Industrial Cooperation

With the launch of Airbus’s second final assembly line in Tianjin, its production capacity in China is expected to double. Currently, Airbus and Chinese suppliers are advancing further collaborations, creating opportunities for Chinese high-end manufacturing enterprises to expand their market share and business in the global aviation sector.

Guillaume Faury, CEO of Airbus: We are very satisfied with the environment, high-quality partnerships, and the quality of aircraft produced here. We have initiated many new businesses here, covering engineering, design, and sometimes R&D. Together with our partners and through our own efforts, we are increasing production capacity. We must align our operations with the growth of the global aviation industry and the rapid expansion of China’s aviation sector. Our goal is to support their success in developing and serving our customers.

The launch of Airbus’s second narrow-body aircraft final assembly line in China demonstrates its confidence in the global market demand for the A320 series and its commitment to China’s investment environment. The final assembly of an aircraft requires over 10,000 core components and supporting parts from nearly 1,000 manufacturers to achieve systemic integration. Currently, Airbus collaborates with approximately 200 Chinese suppliers, with the supply chain spanning from upstream raw materials to downstream system assembly.

Zhao Xuesen, Deputy Director of Tianjin Port Free Trade Zone Administrative Committee: Nearly 50 renowned companies are now based in Tianjin, directly supporting Airbus. AVIC Xi’an Aircraft Industrial Group will deliver the first A321 fuselage to the Airbus Tianjin final assembly line. Collins Aerospace, which produces engine nacelles, has localized production in Tianjin, offering door-to-door services. The industrial ecosystem is becoming increasingly robust, and cooperation among enterprises is growing closer.

On the other hand, the operation of Airbus’s new production line and its expanded capacity will create development opportunities for leading Chinese enterprises in composite material manufacturing, high-end intelligent manufacturing, and aviation components. This will generate more demand for products meeting global standards, thereby driving capacity upgrades driven by both "market and technology."

Qi Qi, Associate Professor at Guangzhou Civil Aviation College: China’s high-end manufacturing industry already holds internationally leading advantages in many fields. Although the manufacturing of large civil aircraft and related supporting industries started relatively late in China, by adhering to Airbus standards, complying with international rules, and enhancing comprehensive advantages, Chinese enterprises will gradually establish technological and cost advantages in the international aviation manufacturing sector. This will naturally accelerate the expansion of "Made in China" in the global aviation market.