AVIC in partnership with Safran, GE Aviation for indigenous jet programme
26 Sep 2009
Chinese aerospace major, the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), has OEM agreements with French Group Safran and American GE, aimed chiefly at boosting the country's indigenous commercial jet programme – the C919.
The C919 is expected to be launched in 2016, with parts and components sourced globally. But China is encouraging foreign suppliers to enter into partnerships with Chinese manufacturers and now says such joint ventures will be favoured with contracts.
"Priority will go to products designed and manufactured by foreign suppliers and their partners in China," said Wu Guanghui, chief designer and deputy general manager of the Shanghai-based Commercial Aviation Corporation (COMAC), which is producing the jet.
The agreement between AVIC and the Safran Group includes establishing new facilities in China and lending expertise to establish a proper production line, which will include design, production, assembly and support.
In the short term the agreement would focus on producing landing and braking systems and nacelles (engine compartment) for the C919, according to a statement by Safran.
In a related development, AVIC, GE and Safran have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to set up a joint venture that designs and manufactures engine nacelles and components for a full range of aircraft applications, including the C919.
