Hey jet-setters and tech lovers! 🌏 This week, Airbus, Europe’s leading aircraft maker, rolled out its 800th A320 Family jet from its Tianjin final assembly line in northern China 🛫. The star of the show? An A321neo packed with 12 business-class seats and 186 economy spots, ready to join Air China’s fleet.
Since opening in 2008—the first Airbus line outside Europe—this Tianjin hub has been a beacon of China-Europe teamwork. It hit its 500th A320 delivery in October 2020 and its 700th in July 2024. Fast-forward 17 years, and it’s now a key pillar in a network spanning 10 final assembly lines worldwide.
The A320 Family is the go-to jet for short to mid-haul trips, with over 19,000 orders from 300+ airlines. Airbus aims to ramp up to 75 jets per month by 2027, and Tianjin will crank out 20% of that global total. 💪
China’s aviation scene is booming—470 million passengers have flown domestically since 2019, making it the world’s #1 market. With about one-third of all Chinese Airbus planes built in Tianjin and 200 local suppliers crafting parts from wings to cabins, the city’s become a true aviation powerhouse.
Looking ahead, Airbus predicts China’s passenger numbers will grow around 5.3% annually over the next 20 years, outpacing the global 3.6% average. By 2042, China alone will need over 9,000 of the 40,000 new planes hitting skies worldwide.
So whether you’re planning that Bangkok–Beijing adventure or a Mumbai–Shanghai business hop, these jets are the unsung heroes behind your smooth takeoff 🎉. As CEO Guillaume Faury puts it, “Our growing footprint in China shows our commitment to building tomorrow’s aviation together.” Here’s to more routes, more seats, and greener skies ahead ☁️✈️.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
