Initial Success In Trying-out Track Ribs on Air Bus A320

(20020621)

　　The first shipset of A320 track-ribs made by SAC under sub-contracted production has been delivered to AUK and succeeded in trying-out assembling in the premises in the U.K., signifying that the commercial airplane parts and components production under sub-contract cooperation between SAC and AUK turned over a new page. On June 21, 2002, the ceremony in celebration of the success in trying-out the track-ribs on the wing structure of Airbus A320 was held in SAC.
　　
　　The representatives from Airbus and AVIC Corporation I and the representatives from the departments concerned attended the ceremony. More than 20 Chinese and foreign representatives standing bilaterally along a row of A320 track-ribs changing greetings each other by shaking hands, remaining as a token of typical cooperation for instance.
The project of A320 track-rib is a bigger project between SAC and Airbus under sub-contracted production of commercial aircraft parts and components. The early days in 80s saw a contract between SAC and then-BAe for the production of interspar ribs. In June, 1999, the then AVIC and Airbus signed The General Agreement for Industrial Cooperation, stipulating that SAC is responsible for the sub-contracted production of track-ribs for Airbus A320. On Mar, 7, 2002, SAC officially delivered the first shipset of A320 track-ribs totaled in 24 assemblies which are all through the trying-out assembling in the premises in Prestwick in the U.K.

　　"Developing the industrial cooperation with China is an important part of global strategy of Airbus, because China is not only the largest potential market of commercial aircraft but also a potential source of builders," Airbus China Division president Malede was quoted as saying, "Airbus strategy to choose China as a partner for industrial cooperation the world over can never be changed. Now SAC is already a very competitive supplier of A320 E.E.H. and I'm certain that SAC can build high-quality leading edge for Airbus A320. I'm expecting for the day on which we'll come to sign the second phase agreement on the cooperation of A320 wing project."

　　Now the tracking-rib project undertaken by SAC has entered upon a stage of small batch production. It is expected that the year of 2002 will see the max. output of 36 shipset; stabilized at 4 shipset per month, 7 shipsets per month will be the highest rate.

　　On the ceremony, SAC president Li Fangyong was quoted as saying that "the succeed in trying-out assembling the first shipset of track-ribs is a good beginning, not only helping us enhance our technological level but also improve our ability in management, based on which, we shall make still greater efforts on quality and delivery schedule for the purpose of striving to be one of the world-level-suppliers as soon as possible."

　　"AUK resident team in SAC will go along with us to develop the modern manufacturing techniques in production, which will bring us an opportunity to become a very competitive manufacturer in aero-industry. It will be the best chance for both parties to realize the utmost interest by cooperation and development." AUK China Office Head David Forsdike is full of confidence for further cooperation with SAC.

　　The sub-contracted production of A320 inter-spar rib and track-rib undertaken by SAC has laid down a sound foundation for the cooperative production between AVIC and European Aero-Industries. Now, SAC and AUK are in contact for technical talks of sub-contracting A320 leading edge project, both sides hope that this sub-contract can be concluded on July 22, 2002 as the airshow in Famborogh is going on. (By Meng Yin)