Airbus signs MOU with Chinese civil aviation industry body

Airbus signs MOU with Chinese civil aviation industry body    European aircraft manufacturer Airbus has signed a memorandum of understanding with Chinese civil aviation industry body, the National Development & Reform Commission of China (NDRC), to expand cooperation between the two parties.
   The MOU also includes the possibility to establish a final assembly line for single-aisle aircraft in China.
   Five Chinese companies produce parts for Airbus aircraft.
   In July, Airbus established the Airbus (Beijing) Engineering Center, recruiting 54 Chinese engineers. Airbus plans to have 200 engineers at the center by 2008.
   Airbus said it aims to reach Chinese procurement volumes of $60 million per annum by 2007, and $120 million by 2010.
   “We are very pleased to enter into discussions about possible next steps of cooperation with our Chinese industrial partners who over the years have developed excellent industrial competences on which we can now draw,” said Gustav Humbert, Airbus’ president and chief executive officer.