A MOU signed today by AVIC Aircraft Corporation and
Aircelle/MRAS/Nexcelle creates the framework for a new joint venture
that will design and manufacture engine nacelle and components for a
full range of aircraft applications.
This MOU, which was signed in Beijing during Aviation Expo China 2009,
marks the first step in establishing a long-term alliance focused on
engine nacelle technology and the production of nacelle and components
to be used on both new and existing aircraft.
The accord brings together key aviation industry leaders for
collaboration on engine nacelle technology – which is one of the
fundamental elements in an aircraft’s performance, efficiency and
environmental footprint. AVIC Aircraft is responsible for the
development of medium/large transport, commercial aircraft and landing
gear systems and nacelle in China, while Nexcelle is the nacelle joint
venture company created by GE’s Middle River Aircraft Systems and
Aircelle, a Safran group company.
“Our MOU is an important milestone for AVIC Aircraft as we establish new
aviation capabilities in China,” said Hu Xiaofeng, the president of AVIC
Aircraft. “It is important to work with the best partners for crucial
technologies such as engine nacelles.”
AVIC Aircraft and Nexcelle will consider a broad range of nacelle and
components manufacturing and design opportunities, including current
production programs and for new aircraft. Categories could range from
business jets to large airliners.
“We are extremely pleased to join with AVIC Aircraft for this long-term
cooperation, which opens new prospects to meet evolving air
transportation needs in China and elsewhere,” stated Nexcelle President
Steve Walters.
The joint venture will be a 50/50 shared company, and is backed by the
resources of Nexcelle’s two parent companies – Aircelle and Middle River
Aircraft Systems – as well as their parent companies GE Aviation and
Safran groups.
“This is a significant opportunity to rapidly develop new nacelle
capabilities in China, and to work with AVIC Aircraft as it performs a
vital role in building the country’s aviation sector,” added Jean-Pierre
Cojan, the Chairman and CEO of Aircelle.
About AVIC Aircraft
AVIC Aircraft Corporation Ltd. is one of the major subsidiaries of AVIC.
It owns seven member companies, including the First Aircraft Institute,
Xi’an Aircraft Industry (Group) Corporation Ltd., Shannxi Aircraft
Industry (Group) Co., Ltd., AVIC Landing Gear Advanced Manufacturing
Co., Xi’an Aviation Brake Technology Co. Ltd. Shenfei Aircraft
Commercial Co. and Chengfei Commercial Aircraft Co. The main business of
AVIC Aircraft covers Design, production, marketing and services for
large-and medium sized transport aircraft, civil passenger aircraft and
aircraft landing gear systems; basic manufacturing technology research
and transfer of achievements; contracting components design and
production for domestic and overseas large passenger aircraft.
About Nexcelle (
www.nexcelle.com
)
Nexcelle is creating smart nacelle systems for tomorrow’s world travel.
Headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA, the company is a joint venture
of Aircelle and Middle River Aircraft Systems (MRAS), which are leading
suppliers of engine nacelles, thrust reversers and aerostructures.
Through Nexcelle’s relationship with CFM International, the company
brings unparalleled expertise in the design, development, production and
support of integrated propulsion systems for a wide range of aircraft.
Media Contacts:
Frédérique Thomas
Aircelle
Tel:
+33 (0)1 30 07 90 14
frederique.thomas@aircelle.com
or
Jennifer
Villarreal
GE Aviation
Tel: +1 616 241 8643
jennifer.villarreal3@ge.com
or
Geoff
Li
GE Aviation
Tel: +(86) 139 1818 9557
Geoff.li@ge.com
or
Mr.
Zhu Zhenjun
AVIC Aircraft
Tel: 135 0122 7360
zhuzj@avic.com.cn
or
Jeffrey
Lenorovitz
The InfoWEST Group
Tel: +1 703 560-6330
jleno@infowestgroup.com