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.
Cathay Pacific Airways firms up order for 30 A350 XWBs
Cathay Pacific Airways has firmed up a previously announced commitment for 30 all-new A350 XWB long range aircraft. The purchase agreement was finalised in Hong Kong today by Tony Tyler, Chief Executive, Cathay Pacific Airways and John Leahy, Chief Operating Officer Customers, Airbus. The aircraft will be powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines.
Cathay Pacific will operate the A350 XWB across its route network, principally on non-stop services to Europe. Featuring an all-new design, the aircraft will represent a step change in operational efficiency, burning significantly less fuel than existing aircraft of a similar size and offering a corresponding reduction in carbon emissions. For passengers, the extra wide cabin will offer the highest standards in in-flight comfort, with a spacious interior design, new, wider windows and the latest state-of-the-art amenities.
Mr Tyler said: “I am delighted that we have now finalised this milestone deal for Cathay Pacific. The purchase of these new generation aircraft is an important step in our plan to grow our fleet to ensure that we stay at the forefront of the industry. The A350 fits perfectly into our operation. Its passenger capacity, flight range and operating economics are just right to become the backbone of our mid-sized long haul wide-bodied fleet."
“We are extremely pleased to have finalised this order with one of the world's most prestigious and well-managed airlines," said John Leahy. "The selection of the A350 XWB by Cathay Pacific is a clear endorsement of the aircraft’s compelling advantages over the competing product, with lower fuel-burn, reduced operating costs and a wider, more comfortable cabin. We look forward to the aircraft playing a key role in enabling Cathay to remain at the forefront of the industry with one of the cleanest and most modern fleets in the world."
The A350 XWB (Xtra Wide-Body) Family is an all-new mid-size long range product line comprising three basic passenger versions seating between 270 and 350 passengers in typical three-class layouts. Scheduled for entry-into-service in 2013, the A350 Family is already one of most successful aircraft programmes ever, with a total of 558 firm orders already received from 34 customers worldwide.
