Air TransportAirbus begins equipping A321 fuselages in China
Airbus has officially launched a new industrial cooperation with AVIC to localize the fuselage equipping process of the A321 jet in China. The project marks a significant milestone in the deepening relationship between Airbus and the Chinese aviation industry.
The initiative focuses on installing key systems into the front and rear fuselage sections of the A321 before they are delivered to Airbus’ Final Assembly Line (FAL) in Tianjin. The first fuselage sections arrived at Tianjin Port in early July and have since been transferred to AVIC XAT’s facilities.
Over the next 50 working days, engineers will complete inspections and install a range of essential systems, including electrical, electronic, drainage, oxygen supply, flight control, and hydraulic components. The fuselage equipping is scheduled to be finalized by October.
This cooperation builds upon AVIC Xi’an’s previous work with Airbus on the A320 family. Since 2021, AVIC has evolved into a key strategic supplier, handling both wing and fuselage equipping for Airbus single-aisle jets.
“Launching the A321 fuselage equipping project represents an important step in our industrial partnership with China,” said George Xu, Airbus Executive VP and CEO of Airbus China. “It also reflects our strong commitment to localizing production and deepening integration.”
Airbus highlighted that 40% of A320 family aircraft delivered from Tianjin since 2024 are A321s, underlining the growing demand for the larger narrow-body model in Asia.
With China expected to require more than 9,500 new aircraft over the next 20 years, Airbus is expanding its footprint by building a second A320 final assembly line in Tianjin, due to open in early 2026.
The European manufacturer now works with more than 200 Chinese suppliers, making China an integral part of Airbus’ global industrial chain. The partnership spans the entire aircraft lifecycle, from R&D to production and even disassembly and recycling.
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