Successful production ramp-up continues for Airbus' Chinese Final Assembly Line

Airbus' Chinese Final Assembly Line has marked another milestone with the first delivery of two aircraft in a single month from this Tianjin facility, underscoring its smooth ramp-up in production.

The Chinese site is positioned to deliver 11 A320 Family aircraft to customers this year - with its output increasing to four monthly by the end of 2011 to meet China's growing demand for highly efficient single-aisle aircraft.

The latest delivery from Tianjin - an A320 for long-time Airbus customer China Eastern Airlines - is the fifth aircraft assembled in China and the second Chinese-built A320 received by the carrier. Powered by IAE V2527-A5 engines, the aircraft has a two-class configuration with eight business and 150 economy seats.

Since the handover of the initial Chinese-produced jetliner on 23 June, Airbus has provided five A320 Family aircraft from Tianjin, which are being flown by Sichuan Airlines, Deer Air, Shenzhen Airlines and China Eastern.

By the end of August 2009, more than 420 A320 Family aircraft were in operation in China with 12 operators. Chinese airlines have ordered close to 600 A320 Family aircraft in total.