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.

The agreement enshrines the progress made by the parties since signing an MOU in September 2017. They say it represents a “significant milestone” in their co-operation together.

The joint venture is scheduled to begin production in Q4 2021 in a new state-of-the-art facility. Locations are currently being evaluated.

The joint venture will manufacture products for the civil aerospace market. The move aims to put the partners at the heart of the Asian aerospace market, a key growth sector.

Scope

As a result of the joint venture, the partners will be able to offer customers technologically advanced aerostructures, both metallic and composite. After the start-up period, the scope of the joint venture will be extended to include a design and development capability.

John Pritchard, CEO, Aerostructures and Systems Europe and Asia, GKN Aerospace, 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.

He added: “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.”

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