Whilst the first public flying display of China’s J-31 ‘stealth’ aircraft has taken centre stage at this years Zhuhai Airshow – the show has also reported a number of significant civil aerospace announcements and updates, which not only reflect the focus on opportunities within the Chinese market, but also signal the level of ambition and growth from within China’s domestic industry.
Both Airbus and Boeing have been prevalent throughout the show – with Airbus not only confirming its future A330 completion centre in Tianjin, but also outlining that it intends to increase the level of spend within China to $1bn by 2020. The theme of Chinese suppliers was also at the forefront of Boeing’s announcements, as it awarded a contract to AVIC to become the sole-supplier for the production of the composite empennage tips of the 777 programme – starting in 2017.
Whilst large orders were announced, it was more the message of collaboration and partnership which manufacturers were seeking to highlight at this years show – recognising the need to highlight investment in order to win and supply in China, and therefore take advantage of the potential for over 6,000 new aircraft orders over the next 20 years.
The announcements also signal a growing confidence in the development of China’s domestic industry, and its ability to be an important part of future global supply chains. This was also recognised through a new Joint Venture between Safran and AVIC – to design and produce components for turboprop engines, hiring 50 specialised engineers, many of which from China.
A small but significant announcement was also made by AVIC on the first ever sale of a Chinese-built aircraft to a US customer – the 19 seater Y-12. This announcement signals a small example of China’s domestic aerospace ambitions – selling civil aircraft globally and importantly, obtaining Western safety certification to underpin reliance and reputation. Underpinning this was the launch customer agreement for the MA700 – with further announcements of a first flight in 2017, Chinese certification in 2019, and how the aircraft will be the first Chinese turbo-prop to apply for western certification via the FAA.
COMAC’s development of the C919 continues to build on these ambitions, but news from the show also highlighted how COMAC are now seeking to engage with suppliers on a new C929 widebody aircraft to take flight after 2020-23 – this is despite having not yet completed the first C919 test aircraft.
All of these announcements show that China’s domestic industry is growing – and has substantial foundations for further growth in the number of engineers and R&D personnel employed within the industry. Whilst its wider aviation market faces barriers to growth, and the domestic industry does not yet compete significantly with more developed Aerospace industries in the West, the level of ambition and willingness to collaborate to achieve these ambitions, is very strong.
Over the coming months, ADS will be publishing a report on China – looking at the wider economic backdrop, the rise of its aviation industry and the barriers facing its growth, and how the UK can seek to position itself in order to collaborate with China, win business in China and also compete as China’s domestic aerospace manufacturing industry grows in the long term.
