Sky's the limit as Boeing looks to long term

US aircraft manufacturer Boeing has strengthened its collaboration with Chinese partners through the sixth China International Import Expo, which was held in Shanghai from Nov 5 to 10.

The aircraft giant signed two agreements with Xiamen Airlines to provide services on the overhaul of the B787 aircraft landing gear and packages of customized aircraft parts. It also inked a memorandum of understanding with China Southern Airlines to provide customized aircraft part packages.

"We aspire to bolster our collaboration with Chinese partners through the CIIE, so as to jointly build a better future for the civil aviation industry," Boeing China President Alvin Liu told China Daily.

As a third-time participant in the CIIE, Boeing showcased its 777X twin-engine jet, along with its vision for sustainable development within the civil aviation industry. The 777X is the latest Boeing commercial airplane based on the most successful twin-aisle airplane ever, the 777. With advanced technologies from the 787 Dreamliner family, the 777X range is designed to maximize efficiency and environmental performance while providing an exceptional experience.

Boeing believes that the sustainable development of the civil aviation industry hinges upon four pathways: fleet renewal, operation efficiency, renewable energy and advanced technology, Liu said.

During the 2019 and 2022 editions of the CIIE, Boeing inked collaboration agreements with various partners, including a memorandum of understanding on aircraft parts support with China Aviation Supplies and an agreement on aviation materials consignment with Guangzhou Aircraft Maintenance Engineering.

"China is one of the most important international markets for Boeing and we are committed to providing ongoing support for the sustainable development of China's civil aviation industry through our world-class products and services," Liu said.

Boeing forecast that China will require 8,560 new commercial airplanes over the next 20 years, accounting for one-fifth of the world's airplane deliveries in the period. China's domestic aviation market will therefore be the largest in the world by the end of the forecast period.

Liu said Boeing has been privileged to serve in the development of China's air transport system since 1972, supporting Chinese efforts to ensure a safe, efficient and profitable aviation system that keeps pace with the country's rapid economic growth.

"Boeing continues to expand strong and innovative partnerships with China, covering the full life cycle of airplane manufacturing and operation, including parts and component production; airplane completion and delivery; airplane conversion and modification; as well as services," he said.

Liu said the 737 Completion and Delivery Center in Zhoushan, Zhejiang province, which delivered its first airplane in December 2018, takes the partnership to the next level. The facility features the Boeing-COMAC joint venture completion center and a separate delivery center staffed and operated by Boeing. It will deliver more 737 airplanes to Chinese airlines in the future, he said.