Boeing celebrates innovative strategic partnership with China

ZHUHAI - Boeing is 100 years old this year and for the past 45 years Boeing and China have established partnership based on mutual benefit, said John Bruns, president Boeing China, during an air show in South China.

"Boeing has made the major decision to extend its 737 production system overseas at the right time, bringing its innovative and strategic partnership with China to the next level," Bruns said in an interview with Xinhua at the 11th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition.

"The secret to vitality lies in innovating and believing in dreams, as well as in partnering with the right partner at the right time for joint development," Bruns said, adding Boeing has enjoyed a partnership with China, and China is crucial to Boeing's success in the next century.

On Oct 28, just a few days before the opening of the air show in Zhuhai, Boeing signed a strategic cooperation framework agreement on a Boeing 737 completion and delivery center with the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China Ltd (COMAC) and Zhejiang province.

The center in Zhoushan in East China will be the first part of its 737 production system outside the United States.

"Boeing has followed its own logic and roadmap for its development in China, giving due and full consideration at each step of the way to maximizing the benefits of both sides," Bruns said.

From delivering aircraft to Chinese customers to partnering with China in production of parts and components; from market integration to joint innovation: "We've arrived where we are today so that we can take a new step," said Bruns.

"All types of Boeing aircraft with parts and components manufactured in China meet our requirements, and we're pleased to work with China's aviation enterprises to steadily enhance aviation manufacturing as well as innovation capabilities," said Bruns.

Boeing's deliveries to China each year account for one quarter of the world total, and one third of all 737 aircraft deliveries are bound for China.

In addition, parts and components made by Chinese manufacturers serve the global aerospace industry. AVIC Chengfei Commercial Aircraft Co delivered the first batch of rudders for Boeing 737MAX and the new widebody 787-10 on Sept 9, the delivery of a critical component.

"We regard China as a very important strategic partner, not only because of the civil aviation market and potential, but also because we are willing to provide support to our Chinese partners.

"Making each other successful is more in line with our long-term interest and steady cooperation between the two sides," said Bruns.

Seats for passenger aircraft produced by Ali-Jiatai have been listed as an option in the 737 equipment catalog. "This brings more options for our customers domestically and around the world," Bruns added.

On Nov 1, COMAC and Boeing signed an agreement to expand research collaboration and explore new technology for sustainable aviation biofuel through the Boeing-COMAC sustainable aviation technology center.

"The global aviation market is a huge pie that is getting bigger and bigger. There are always new entrants joining in as many countries want aircraft manufacturing capability.

"Boeing welcomes competition that is conducive to the sound development of the industry and we are confident of keeping our advantages through innovation," he said.

He explained that when COMAC was established Boeing began collaboration in biofuel, safety and other fields. The latest research center is a testament to that cooperation.

To Bruns, China is not just a remarkable market, it will become a strong competitor in global commercial aviation, reforming the current structure of market.

"Boeing has established an innovative and strategic partnership with China's aviation industry, striving for collaboration while maintaining competition," said Bruns.

To maintain cooperation while competing with each other creates a subtle and challenging situation which requires confidence and strength. Bruns believes Boeing and China will both benefit and grow stronger through collaboration.

"The future will be more challenging for Boeing and we choose to face it boldly," Bruns said.