With regard to the conjecture from the relevant circles over China's possible participation in the development of Airbus' new airliner A350 program, Gustav Humbert, chief operating officer of Airbus, announced in Beijing on December 7 that if A350 program is passed with approval, Airbus plans to involve China in the development of its proposed A350 program, with a work share of up to 5 per cent.

It is learned that as for the A350 program, it is still in an arguable stage and has not come to a final decision. However, Humbert said openly that as a new program, A 350 program is waiting for the approval from the Airbus European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company (EADS) and BAE Systems (Formerly British Aerospace). Once approved, Airbus will officially start A350 program by the end of December.

Humbert said that if the launch of A350 program means the Chinese industry will has a share in participating the design and manufacturing of the A 350 program including all the necessary investment and earned profits. Chinese aviation enterprises will hopefully share part of the program with a work share of 5 per cent. The Airbus also hopes China take more than 10 per cent of the share in the future airline programs.

According to Airbus's initial plan, the main body of A350 airliner remains the same as that of A330, but it will possibly adopt new-generation engines with some parts made of certain composite materials.

By People's Daily Online