Airbus and Boeing are looking to increase the amount of aircraft components they source from China.

The proposed plans were revealed at the Zhuhai air show in China, reported Reuters.

Airbus China chief operating officer Rafael Gonzalez-Ripoll-Garzon was reported by the news agency as saying that the company intends to double the value of components it sources from the country to $1bn by 2020.

Boeing has selected Aviation Industry Corporation of China to produce composite empennage tips for the 777, beginning in 2017.

"Over the past three decades, the Chicago-based aircraft maker has sourced $2bn worth of aircraft parts from China."

The latest contract has been signed in collaboration between Boeing, AVIC Shenyang Commercial Aircraft (SACC) and AVIC International following a contract awarded to AVIC earlier this year to manufacture vertical fin and horizontal stabiliser forward torque box panels.

Under the contract, SACC will manufacture tips for the 777 vertical fin and horizontal stabiliser at its new facility located near the airport in Shenyang.

Kent Fisher said in a statement: "We have steadily increased our sourcing from AVIC with good results.

"They have not only met our requirements for high-quality and on-time delivery, but they have also worked closely with us to meet our airline customers’ demands for affordability."

Over the past three decades, the Chicago-based aircraft maker has sourced $2bn worth of aircraft parts from China.

Airbus and Boeing are moving ahead with plans to boost their sourcing capabilities in China, and opting for parts made using domestic composite materials.

China already produces emergency doors for aircraft, including Airbus A330 and Boeing 787.

According to Boeing’s latest forecast, China will require around 6,020 new airliners worth $870m in the next 20 years.

Earlier this month, China Aircraft Leasing has signed a provisional agreement with Airbus to buy 100 A320 family aircraft worth $10.2bn.

Defence Technology