Airbus has inaugurated its second final assembly line in Tianjin, marking a milestone in China-Europe aviation collaboration. In an exclusive interview with KhabarAsia, Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury emphasized the project's role in strengthening industrial partnerships and advancing sustainable aviation.
Strategic Partnership Takes Flight
Faury described the Tianjin facility as "a bridge connecting European aerospace expertise with China's manufacturing capabilities." The expansion comes as Airbus aims to meet growing demand in Asia, with China projected to become the world's largest aviation market by 2040. The CEO noted that 20% of Airbus' global commercial aircraft production now originates from the Chinese mainland.
Decarbonization Roadmap
The company revealed plans to power the Tianjin facility entirely with renewable energy by 2025. Faury highlighted Airbus' collaboration with Chinese partners on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) development: "Our work with China's energy giants could accelerate SAF adoption across Asia-Pacific routes by 2030."
Supply Chain Innovations
Over 200 Chinese suppliers now participate in Airbus' global network, with composite materials from the Chinese mainland being used in latest-generation aircraft wings. Faury confirmed plans to establish a hydrogen propulsion research center in Beijing by late 2024.
