A320

China Aviation Supplies Holding (CAS) has signed a deal valued at around $7bn with Airbus to buy 70 A320 series aircraft.

The deal allows Airbus to strengthen its presence in China, which is believed to replace the US as the largest aircraft market in the next two decades.

Airbus said that the order reflects strong demand for single-aisle aircraft from Chinese airlines for domestic, low-cost, regional and international operations.

Airbus president and CEO Fabrice Brégier said: "We are grateful to China for its strong vote of confidence in our leading A320 Family aircraft, and are happy to see them assembled at our Chinese facilities.

"Our 30 year history of partnership with China keeps growing and expanding through these types of agreements."

China currently operates an in-service Airbus fleet of more than 1,000 aircraft, including 920 A320 family aircraft and 140 A330 family jetliners.

Airbus estimates a demand for more than 5,300 new commercial aircraft in China between 2014 and 2033.

Meanwhile, Airbus and its Chinese partners, the Tianjin Free Trade Zone and the Aviation Industry Corporation, have signed a letter of intent to build an A330 completion and delivery centre in Tianjin.

The A330 aircraft, which will be assembled in Toulouse, will fly to China for completion in Tianjin. The new facility is likely to manage cabin installation, aircraft painting, engine runs and aircraft delivery activities.

Image: China currently operates an in-service Airbus fleet of more than 1,000 aircraft. Photo: courtesy of Fixion / Airbus SAS.

Defence Technology