Update: Airbus delivers first aircraft from its new assembly line in China

Airbus delivered on Wednesday the first aircraft assembled at its new Final Assembly Line (FAL) for the A320 family in Tianjin, northern China—its second such line in both China and Asia. China Eastern Airlines took delivery of the A320neo. Airbus said the handover marks a milestone in expanding its industrial footprint in China and its wider global production network. Philippe Mhun, Airbus executive vice president for Programmes and Services, highlighted Airbus’ long-term commitment to Chinese partners and confidence in the growth of China’s civil aviation market. Airbus also noted the second FAL, operational since last October, supports a ramp-up toward 75 aircraft per month and cites 800+ A320 family deliveries since the Tianjin line opened in 2008.