At the Zhuhai Air Show GKN Aerospace, COMAC subsidiary SAMC (Shanghai Aircraft Manufacturing Company) and AVIC International (Aviation Industry Corporation of China) have signed a framework agreement to establish a joint venture for aerostructures manufacturing in China. This agreement enshrines the progress made by the parties since signing an MOU in September 2017.
The joint venture is scheduled to begin production Q4 2021 in a new facility. Locations are currently being evaluated. The joint venture will manufacture products for the civil aerospace market. After the start-up period the scope of the joint venture will be extended to include design and development capability.
The establishment of the joint venture is subject to the fulfilment of certain conditions including but not limited to approvals by the relevant authorities.
John Pritchard, CEO Aerostructures and Systems Europe and Asia said: “We are proud to extend our footprint in China by working together with our committed partners COMAC, SAMC and AVIC. We foresee that the combination of our joint dedicated teams, technology leadership and extensive aerospace experience will lead to exciting growth opportunities. This will be the first aerostructures venture for GKN Aerospace in China. It strengthens our enduring partnership and commitment with this country. We need to be close to our customers and partners and support the solid growth of the aerospace industry in China.”