Four Firms To Provide Parts And Components For 747-8 and 787s

Boeing announced Friday agreements with four Chinese suppliers for the production of commercial aircraft parts and components for the Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental passenger and freighter aircraft, reported the Shanghai Daily.

The contracts, valued at $500 million include the 747-8 inboard wing flaps with Xi'an Aircraft Industry Company, and ailerons and spoilers with Chengdu Aircraft Industrial, both linked to China Aviation Industry Corporation I.

Contracts were also signed for composite parts to be built by Hafei Aviation Industry, an AVIC II-affiliated company, and composite panels for the vertical fin to be built by BHA Aero Composites, an equity joint venture between Boeing, Hexcel Corp and AVIC I.

"These contracts demonstrate Boeing's commitment to continued expansion of industrial cooperation with China," said Carolyn Corvi, Boeing Commercial Airplanes vice president and general manager of Airplane Programs.

"China's outstanding technological capabilities and resources make these suppliers ideal partners for the Boeing 787 and the 747-8, which offer airlines the lowest operating costs and best economics of any large passenger or freighter aircraft."

"We are honored to help Boeing build the 747-8 as it opens a new page for the long-term Boeing-XAC partnership," said Meng Xiangkai, vice chairman of Xi'an Aircraft Industry Company.

Boeing and Boeing suppliers hold contracts totaling $2.5 billion with China's aviation industry. Boeing began industrial cooperation with China in the mid 1970s.

FMI: www.boeing.com, www.avic1.com.cn, www.xac.com.cn