TIANJIN– Airbus has inaugurated its second Airbus A320 Family Final Assembly Line (FAL) in China, a significant milestone in the European manufacturer’s long-term partnership with the country’s aviation industry.
The new assembly line is located within the Airbus Tianjin site, which has been operational since 2008. The expansion complements Airbus’ existing A320 Family FALs in Germany, two in Toulouse (France), two in Mobile (United States), and Tianjin.
Expanding Tianjin Operations
The new facility covers approximately 300,000 square meters, with a floor area of around 130,000 square meters across 13 buildings. At its core lies a 42,000-square-meter final assembly hall, which accounts for nearly one-third of the total area.
The expanded site is designed to integrate advanced digital tools, sustainable energy systems, and modern production processes, reflecting Airbus’ broader commitment to efficiency and environmental responsibility.
With this addition, the Tianjin campus becomes a vital part of Airbus’ global industrial ecosystem. The facility will assemble A319neo, A320neo, and A321neo aircraft, offering flexibility to adapt to customer requirements and market trends.
The first aircraft from this new line is expected to roll out by the end of 2025.
Boosting Global Production
Airbus’ global A320 Family production network now includes five assembly sites worldwide, strategically located to support airlines across multiple continents.
The manufacturer’s decision to expand in China comes as Asia-Pacific remains the fastest-growing aviation market, with fleets projected to double over the next two decades.
Tianjin’s expansion also highlights China’s increasing role in the aviation supply chain. Local partnerships and collaboration with Chinese suppliers are essential components of Airbus’ industrial strategy, creating value and technological transfer opportunities for the region.
The FAL in Tianjin has already delivered over 600 aircraft since its opening, a figure expected to rise significantly with the new line operational.
The additional line reinforces Airbus’ ability to deliver on its target of ramping up A320 Family production to 75 aircraft per month by 2026, meeting growing demand from airlines such as China Eastern Airlines (MU) and Air China (CA).
Strengthening Airbus-China Ties
The partnership between Airbus and China dates back to 1994, when the company first began sourcing components from local suppliers.
Over the years, this collaboration has evolved into one of Airbus’ most strategic industrial relationships outside Europe.
Beyond aircraft assembly, Airbus’s footprint in China includes a wide range of activities such as training, customer support, engineering, and component manufacturing.
The expansion of the Tianjin facility further demonstrates mutual confidence and long-term cooperation between Airbus and Chinese aviation authorities.
Bottom Line
The inauguration of the second A320 Family Final Assembly Line in Tianjin marks a decisive step in Airbus’ global expansion strategy.
By increasing its production capacity in China, Airbus is positioning itself to better serve the growing aviation market and strengthen its industrial ties with the country.
The move reflects the company’s focus on sustainable growth, operational efficiency, and global collaboration as it continues to lead the narrow-body aircraft segment.
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