Posted on 06/22/2009 7:17:13 PM PDT by bruinbirdman
The first Chinese-assembled A320 is set for delivery, symbolizing the importance of future demand in Asia.
PARIS -- Will emerging markets make or break the aerospace industry? Though the airline industry is suffering across the world, executives from Boeing and Airbus talked up the prospect of future demand from China as one bright spot at this month’s Paris Air Show. And on Tuesday, Airbus will deliver its first China-assembled A320, part of a joint venture that could help the plane-maker take more market share from its American arch-rival.
The Airbus A320, which was assembled at a plant in Tianjin that is 49%-owned by a Chinese consortium, will be delivered to a leasing company and eventually put into service by Sichuan Airlines. Airbus expects to produce a further 10 aircraft in Tianjin this year.
Both Airbus, a subsidiary of European Aeronautic Defense and Space, and Boeing expect great things from the Chinese market. Boeing has forecast that China will become the largest aviation market outside the United States by 2028, with the mainland set to require 3,700 additional aircraft in that time. Airbus last year estimated a slightly lower figure, closer to 2,800, and is still hoping to increase its market share to 50% in the next few years, from the mid-30s.
The problem is that for now, China’s airlines have not been spared the recession’s blow to the region’s export-driven economies. The International Air Transport Association expects Asian carriers to lose $3.3 billion this year--which would be the world’s worst regional performance--and there is even talk of mergers among China’s unprofitable airlines to cope with overcapacity.
It’s an obvious disconnect, but not one that will last, according to Doug McVitie, managing director of consultancy firm Arran Aerospace. He says that once the global economy recovers, China’s incredible aviation growth prospects
(Excerpt) Read more at forbes.com ...
Aren’t some parts of Boeing’s new plane to be made in China too? I know parts are being made all over...
I hope they use strong glue on the tail.
How long before the Chicoms start shaving on skin and rib thickness and using marginal hardware?
Airbus is training a future competitor. The Chinese, for the most part, have lost their sense of innovation (that happened during the Cultural Revolution, after the Red Guards purged all the intellectuals). I’ve been over there and I’ve seen it. Their mentality is, ‘How can we copy the West?’
McDonnell Douglas had MD-80s assembled in China for several years and, recently (years after the MD joint venture stopped), a Chinese company has come out with the ARJ-21. It looks extremely similar to an MD-80. Coincidence? I think not.
Boeing would be smart to keep aircraft final assembly away from China!
Just can’t wait to fly again... NOT!!!
I am sure the Chinese will rip off the design and in 20 years will be offering the “Bo-Eng 575” airplane which will look remarkably like a 757.
“McDonnell Douglas had MD-80s assembled in China for several years”
I think it was about 30 or 35 airframes that were assembled there and they flew for China, they were not for outside consumption. I believe they were built by China under license and were not offered up for re sale.
“McDonnell Douglas had MD-80s assembled in China for several years”
I think it was about 30 or 35 airframes that were assembled there and they flew for China, they were not for outside consumption. I believe they were built by China under license and were not offered up for re sale.
And on Wednesday, China will announce sales to China Airlines of it's own 320A passenger jet. On Thursday, China will announce initial sales of it's 320A military variant to the PLA.
Making parts is one thing, final assembly is something entirely different.
I know the socialists in Toulouse went nuts when Airbust announced they were going to manufacture and assemble A320’s in China.
Airbust was trying to lockup the Chinese market for Airbust planes, figuring that if they let the Chicoms build some A320s, they could lock out Boeing from any other sales of small and widebody planes, since most Chinese airlines are still controled by the government and they make decisions on what planes get bought.
Its a dangerous plan, because you know once the Chinese get enough knowledge, they’re going to dump Airbust like a ugly date at the prom, and start building commercial planes themselves for themselves and foreign sales. All of them cheap knockoffs of Airbust designs.
“As tough and long lasting as a Chinese Dam?”. Maybe they will keep them there.
Two hours after disembarking, you want to fly again.
Actually, the Chinese have not made it a secret that the ARJ21 is a McDonald Douglas airframe. They have openly stated that it is a Douglas airframe from their previous joint venture with McDonald Douglas.
That's why the initial investment was about $1 billion. However, their next a/p, the C919, which has the same seating capacity as the Boeing 737 and Airbus 320, will required an initial investment of $25 billion. They'll have to design their own airframe from scratch.
Boeing would be smart to keep aircraft final assembly away from China!
Boeing will keep final assembly out of China for political reasons and not economic. They know this would inflame aerospace workers. BTW, final assembly only represent 5% of the total cost of producing an airplane.
I’ll bet those Chinese airplanes will be as shoddy as the power tools I buy at Walmart. Really, I haven’t found ANYTHING made in China that rivals what America used to make. My Sears Craftsman hand drill has worn out after 30 years hard use — I don’t expect its Chinese-made replacement to last a year. American tools were made of hard steel — the Chinese tools are cast from floor sweepings.
“Two hours after disembarking, you want to fly again.”
HAAAA!!! That’s great!
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