Boeing and COMAC to partner on 737 completions centre in China

Boeing and Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) announced (23-Sep-2015) they will partner to open a facility in China for the interiors completion, paint and delivery of 737 aircraft to Chinese customers:

• The JV facility will "significantly expand" Boeing's collaboration with China's aviation industry "while also enabling future production rate increases" at the 737 final assembly factory in Renton, Washington;
• Boeing stated the China-based facility "will not reduce 737 programme employment in Washington State";
• Boeing, COMAC and Chinese government officials are working toward a final business agreement and will announce the facility's location and timing of first deliveries at a later date;
• Boeing has already announced plans to increase production from 42 to 47 aircraft per month in 2017 and 52 aircraft per month in 2018, to meet strong demand for the type. [more - original PR]

Boeing Commercial Aircraft: "Boeing is expanding our longstanding relationship with Chinese industry to meet vital goals for our company: We are bringing the Boeing 737 closer to our Chinese customers, supporting rising 737 production rates and enhancing our access to China's dynamic and fast-growing aviation market. The 737 will be a cornerstone of the Chinese fleet for years to come, and we look forward to delivering 737s to Chinese customers in China." Ray Conner, president and CEO. Source: Boeing, 23-Sep-2015.

COMAC: "The new collaboration between Boeing and COMAC will help advance the Chinese commercial transportation market in a better and faster way, and will benefit the development of supporting Chinese industries related to aircraft completion as well as the global growth of China's civil aviation business." Wu Guanghui, VP. Source: Boeing, 23-Sep-2015.