Airbus has announced a series of cooperation agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with key Chinese aviation stakeholders at the Zhuhai Airshow. These agreements, focused on expanding aftermarket services, aim to support operational efficiency, safety, and innovation across China’s rapidly growing aviation sector. With a range of new services, including advanced pilot training, Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) capabilities, cabin retrofitting, and optimized material services, Airbus reinforces its commitment to the Chinese market, where it currently supports over 2,200 aircraft.
In partnership with the Civil Aviation Flight University of China (CAFUC), Airbus is set to develop an integrated Competency Based Training and Assessment (CBTA) program tailored to the latest Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) standards. This collaboration combines Airbus’s international CBTA expertise with CAFUC’s local training insights to advance flight training quality and pilot competency in China. The CBTA program will undergo a trial phase at CAFUC over the next two years, supervised by CAAC, before its broad implementation.
Through its subsidiary Testia, Airbus will expand its NDT training and assessment offerings in China, in collaboration with China Hua-Ou Training Co., Ltd. Certified by both the British Institute of Non-Destructive Testing and the UK National Aerospace NDT Board, Testia’s programs will be delivered at Hua-Ou’s training facility, making it Testia’s first training hub in Greater China outside of Toulouse, France. This milestone will support the growing demand for skilled NDT professionals in China, strengthening local expertise in the aerospace industry.
Airbus subsidiary Eltra has signed an agreement with Colorful Guizhou Airlines to provide a customized cabin seat power supply retrofit solution for the airline’s A320 fleet. Approved by the CAAC, this retrofit is designed to enhance passenger comfort and functionality, addressing the evolving needs of the Chinese market.
Additionally, Airbus’s Satair division has signed agreements with HNA Aviation Technic, Xiamen Airlines, and China Southern Airlines for Integrated Material Service (IMS) solutions. These agreements will maximize parts availability and optimize stock management, helping the airlines improve cash flow and operational performance. Satair has also established a customized spare parts purchasing program with Juneyao Airlines, providing greater predictability and service level customization.
With over three decades in China, Airbus has consistently expanded its local services to support operational safety and efficiency throughout the aircraft lifecycle. These new partnerships underscore Airbus’s commitment to deepening its footprint and building long-term relationships in China, providing critical aftermarket services and fostering growth in the country’s aviation industry.
