Airbus delivers 700th A320 in Tianjin

European aircraft manufacturer Airbus has delivered its 700th A320 family aircraft assembled at its final assembly line in Tianjin, indicating the plane maker's long-term commitment to China, its largest single-country market.

The aircraft, an A320neo with 180 economy class seats, was handed over to Chengdu Airlines on Monday. By the end of June, Chengdu Airlines operated a fleet of 52 A320 family aircraft.

"The delivery of the 700th A320 family aircraft assembled in Tianjin underscores the unwavering commitment of our China teams to support Airbus' global A320 family ramp-up plan," said George Xu, Airbus executive vice-president and Airbus China CEO.

"Airbus remains dedicated to strengthening our strategic collaboration with China, reinforcing our long-term commitment to this thriving market," he added.

Opened in 2008, the Airbus facility in Tianjin serves as the plane maker's first commercial aircraft assembly line outside of Europe, and the Tianjin center delivered its first A320 in 2009.

Airbus started to expand its A320 fleet's final assembly capacity in Tianjin last year with a second line, which will contribute to the company's global A320 family ramp-up plan. The new facility is expected to be put into operation and begin delivery by early 2026.

zhuwenqian@chinadaily.com.cn