Leveraging the innovation ecosystem
DISRUPTIVE GROWTH
Located in Suzhou, China, The Airbus China Research and Development Innovation Centre (ACRI) identifies, explores and accelerates disruptive technologies and new growth opportunities. Its focuses include advanced manufacturing, hydrogen energy infrastructure, sustainability and electrification, future cabin, and new technologies.

Mission
ACRI has a three-fold mission to shape the future of flight:
- To fully leverage the local innovation ecosystem in China – including talent, partners and resources – with support from Airbus’ global aerospace expertise to determine the most-promising technologies
- To identify service-enabling solutions
- To fast-track delivery of innovation outcomes

Cabin experience
Our focus areas
This programme focuses on leveraging China’s expertise in emerging technologies (IoT, sensor and HMI systems) to innovate experience design for passengers.

Manufacturing innovation
Our focus areas
This programme explores Industry 4.0 technologies to improve efficiency and safety on the shop floor. It uses Airbus industrial sites in China for local testing before global roll-outs.
The latest in innovation at Airbus
In the spotlight
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Stories Innovation
Testing the open fan’s promise
The open fan combines the fuel economy of a turboprop with the performance of a turbofan. It has the potential to significantly boost the fuel efficiency of a next generation aircraft. -
Stories Innovation
Digital Twins: Accelerating aerospace innovation from design to operations
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Stories Innovation
How to mitigate contrails and other non-CO₂ emissions
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Stories Innovation
Improving the world we live in with AI-powered products
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Stories Defence
Airbus and European innovation - Imagining a future combat aircraft cockpit