Airbus to build A320neo at China factory

Airbus said it expects to build the planned A320neo jet in China, as the planemaker holds discussions about extending the life of its first assembly line outside Europe. The company is in talks with partners about operating the Tianjin, China facility through 2025, Laurence Barron, its China head, said on Tuesday at a Zhuhai airshow Press briefing. The factory already makes the current A320 model. “We can expect to see the neo being assembled here in China in the near future,” Barron said. The aircraft is due to enter service in 2015. Airbus also builds A320s in France and Germany, and it’s planning to open a factory in Alabama. Barron also said the EU’s decision to suspend the introduction of emissions levies on foreign carriers is positive for Airbus in China. The country had been among nations opposing the EU plan because of sovereignty and cost concerns. From : Khalij