Airbus completes allocation of A350 XWB airframe work packages to China

CAC Commercial Aircraft Company (CCAC), one of the major aviation industry companies in China, today signed a contract with Airbus for the work package of A350 XWB spoilers and droop panels. With this new contract, Airbus has now completed the allocation of the five percent A350 XWB airframe to be manufactured in China.

The contract was signed today in Beijing by Klaus Richter, Airbus Executive Vice President Procurement, and Wang Guangya, President and Chairman of CAC, the holding company of CCAC, and Chairman of CCAC.

Carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) is extensively used on A350 XWB spoiler and droop panels. Innovative processes include the Resin Transfer Moulding (RTM) process on the Centre Hinge Fitting that attaches the spoiler to the wing structure.

Airbus (Beijing) Engineering Centre (ABEC), a joint venture of Airbus in China, will be involved in the design activities relating to this work package.

While CCAC will become the sole supplier of the A350 XWB spoilers and droop panels, FACC AG, an Austria based leading company specialising in the development, design and manufacture of composite components and systems for civil aircraft will be responsible, under a separate contract, for the definition of the industrial process. Airbus worldwide industrial standards will be applied for the assessment of the products and the training of employees.

“We are proud to be involved in the latest Airbus aircraft programme. With this contract, we have reached our objective to be part of a global aeronautical manufacturing chain. We have long been a supplier to Airbus and have been a partner in several cooperation projects with Airbus. We cherish this opportunity very much to cooperate with Airbus and with FACC,” said Wang Guangya, President and Chairman of CAC and Chairman of CCAC.

“With this work package, we have accomplished our commitment to manufacture five percent of the A350 XWB airframe in China,” said Klaus Richter, Airbus Executive Vice President, Procurement. “Besides, this is also an important step forward for Airbus to develop a truly global industrial and engineering footprint, which helps Airbus to create a competitive cost base and access talented global resources,” he added.

Notes to Editors

About FACC

FACC is one of Airbus’ European Support Partners.

FACC AG is one of the world’s leading companies in the development and production of advanced fiber-reinforced composite components and systems for the aviation industry. Their range of products reaches from structural components for the fuselage and wings to engine components to complete passenger cabins for passenger planes and helicopters. FACC is a supplier to all large aircraft manufacturers such as Airbus, Boeing, Bombardier, Embraer and ACAC, as well as for engine manufacturers and sub-suppliers of manufacturers. In the business year of 2009/10, FACC achieved a turnover of 251.43 million euros and employed an average of 1,529 employees. Further information can be found at http://www.facc.at.

About China and the A350 XWB airframe production

On 26th November 2007, Airbus signed a memorandum of understanding with the National Development and Reform Commission of China to formalise the commitment of manufacturing five per cent of the A350 XWB’s airframe in China.

About the A350 XWB

The A350 XWB Family is Airbus’ response to widespread market demand for a series of highly efficient medium-capacity long-range wide-body aircraft. With a range of up to 8,100nm / 15,000km, it is available in three basic passenger versions. Moreover, it has the widest fuselage in its category, offering unprecedented levels of comfort, the lowest operating costs and lowest seat-mile cost of any aircraft in this market segment. Powered by new-generation Rolls-Royce Trent engines, the A350 XWB Family is designed to confront the challenges of high fuel prices, rising passenger expectations, and environmental constraints.

Firm orders for the A350 XWB now stand at 528 from 33 customers worldwide.