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The Star
21-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Star
Airbus signs fresh deal with Chinese partner amid talk of massive China order
Airbus has signed a new cooperation deal with its Chinese partner that will see the company localise more production of its A321 jet in China, with the announcement coming just ahead of a key China-Europe leaders' summit. The European aviation giant will work with its partner AVIC Xi'an Aircraft Industry Group to start fuselage equipping – installing components onto the front and rear parts of an aircraft – for the A321 at its factory in Tianjin under the agreement. The programme is an extension of the companies' similar cooperation on the A320 and sends a positive signal in the run-up to next week's summit in Beijing, where some analysts predict Airbus may sign a 'mega-deal' worth tens of billions of dollars. 'It has expanded the scope of cooperation between both parties in the manufacturing of Airbus single-aisle aircraft, and is also an important measure by Airbus to continuously implement its localisation strategy,' George Xu, CEO of Airbus China, told state media outlet Xinhua News on Tuesday. 'China's supply chain is an indispensable part of the global aviation industry, showing strong resilience and competitiveness,' he said. The front and rear of the first A321 to undergo fuselage equipping in Tianjin were shipped to the factory at the beginning of the month, and Airbus expects the installation of the components to be completed by October. The whole process includes incoming inspection, insulation installation, bracket installation, as well as installation and testing of electrical, electronic, drainage, oxygen, flight control and hydraulic systems, according to an Airbus statement published on Tuesday. The Tianjin factory also houses Airbus' first commercial aircraft assembly line outside Europe. Inaugurated in 2008, it assembled and delivered its first A321 aircraft in 2023. Airbus and AVIC Xi'an Aircraft Industry Group first agreed to work together on this new project during the Zhuhai Air Show in 2023, following their successful cooperation with the A320 model. Since 2021, when that earlier programme started, AVIC Xi'an Aircraft Industry Group has delivered 104 A320 aircraft body parts to Airbus, according to the statement. China's three major state-owned airlines – Air China, China Eastern Airlines and China Southern Airlines – placed an order for 292 Airbus A320neo aircraft in 2022. The deal, worth about US$37.2 billion, was the biggest single aircraft order in the airlines' history. There has been market speculation that China might announce a deal of a similar magnitude with Airbus during the China-European Union summit in late July. However, no official confirmation of a deal has been announced so far, and relations between Beijing and Brussels remain tense ahead of the summit, which has reportedly been cut from two days to just one. - SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST


South China Morning Post
16-07-2025
- Automotive
- South China Morning Post
Airbus signs fresh deal with Chinese partner amid talk of massive China order
Airbus has signed a new cooperation deal with its Chinese partner that will see the company localise more production of its A321 jet in China, with the announcement coming just a week ahead of a key China-Europe leaders' summit. The European aviation giant will work with its partner AVIC Xi'an Aircraft Industry Group to start fuselage equipping – installing components onto the front and rear parts of an aircraft – for the A321 at its factory in Tianjin under the agreement. The programme is an extension of the companies' similar cooperation on the A320 and sends a positive signal in the run-up to next week's summit in Beijing, where some analysts predict Airbus may sign a 'mega-deal' worth tens of billions of dollars. 'It has expanded the scope of cooperation between both parties in the manufacturing of Airbus single-aisle aircraft, and is also an important measure by Airbus to continuously implement its localisation strategy,' George Xu, CEO of Airbus China, told state media outlet Xinhua News on Tuesday. 'China's supply chain is an indispensable part of the global aviation industry, showing strong resilience and competitiveness,' he said. The front and rear of the first A321 to undergo fuselage equipping in Tianjin were shipped to the factory at the beginning of the month, and Airbus expects the installation of the components to be completed by October. The whole process includes incoming inspection, insulation installation, bracket installation, as well as installation and testing of electrical, electronic, drainage, oxygen, flight control and hydraulic systems, according to an Airbus statement published on Tuesday.


Travel Daily News
09-06-2025
- Business
- Travel Daily News
The Westin Flushing LaGuardia Airport debuts in Queens
The Westin Flushing LaGuardia Airport opens in Queens, offering 246 rooms, wellness amenities, meeting spaces, and upscale dining near key NYC attractions. QUEENS, NEW YORK – Century Development Group announces that The Westin Flushing LaGuardia Airport, part of Marriott Bonvoy's portfolio of more than 30 leading brands, officially opened its doors. This modern hotel brings together contemporary elegance and Westin's signature wellness philosophy, all set within Queens' most dynamic neighborhoods. The 13-story property, developed by Century Development Group – an established name in Queens' hospitality scene – is ideally located at the heart of the community. 'Today marks an exciting new chapter with the opening of The Westin Flushing LaGuardia Airport,' said George Xu, President of Century Development Group. 'This property merges refined urban design with a deep appreciation for the cultural richness that defines Flushing. From the biophilic living wall to the carefully curated guestrooms with sweeping city views, every element has been thoughtfully designed to foster well-being and offer a restorative haven for every kind of traveler – we cannot wait to welcome them in!' The Westin Flushing LaGuardia Airport features 246 well-appointed guestrooms, including 148 king rooms, 79 double rooms, 14 queen rooms, and 5 suites. Select accommodations offer private balconies with breathtaking views of the city skyline. Designed with sustainability and comfort in mind, the hotel incorporates triple-pane windows to enhance energy efficiency and minimize urban noise. Each room is thoughtfully designed to blend comfort with practicality, offering spacious layouts ideal for productivity or relaxation. Guests can enjoy restful nights in the brand's award winning and iconic Heavenly Bed, along with the convenience of dedicated work areas and complimentary Wi-Fi. In the common space areas, guests are welcomed by a tranquil ambiance. The expansive lobby boasts a 16-foot ceiling, a lush biophilic living wall, and the soothing aroma of Westin's signature White Tea scent – creating a peaceful oasis amid the dynamic rhythm of New York City. 'Opening day is always the most rewarding part of the journey,' said Rob Smith, President and Chief Executive Officer of Stonebridge Companies. 'At The Westin Flushing LaGuardia Airport, we're proud to lead a team that's committed to thoughtful, intuitive service from day one. That's what truly makes a guest feel cared for, and that's what we're here to deliver.' With a focus on thoughtfully curated amenities and personalized service, the hotel is built around Westin's three pillars of wellness – Sleep Well, Eat Well, and Move Well- each designed to elevate and enrich the guest experience. These include: Fitness Center: Guests can maintain their fitness routines at the state-of-the-art WestinWORKOUT Fitness Studio, open 24/7. Designed with wellness in mind, the facility provides modern exercise equipment to meet a variety of workout preferences, fostering an environment where travelers can move well during their stay. Spa Features: Guests can find a tranquil escape in one of Flushing's only indoor pools followed by a trip to the steam room and dry sauna. Meeting and Event Spaces: For working and playing well, the hotel boasts over 6,000 square feet of versatile meeting and event spaces. The largest, The Worlds Hall, just over 5,038 square feet and accommodates up to 500 attendees, making it ideal for conferences and celebrations. The Northern Room, spanning 1,300 square feet, can be divided into three smaller spaces, each hosting 25–30 guests, or up to 120 individuals when combined. Additionally, an outdoor terrace adjacent to our 'Westin Club' offers a sophisticated setting for smaller gatherings, seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor experiences. Food and Beverage: The Westin Flushing LaGuardia offers a signature dining concept. From the award-winning team that brought Hinoki to Greenwich, CT and Blu on the Hudson to Weehawken, NJ comes Blu Ember – the upscale New American restaurant will include a 12-seat raw bar, in addition to a main dining room, private dining space and extensive bar. The Westin Flushing LaGuardia Airport places guests in the heart of a thriving community, with easy access to iconic destinations including Queens Botanical Garden, Citi Field, Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Queens Zoo, the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, and Main Street shopping district. The hotel is strategically located only 10 minutes from LaGuardia Airport and steps away from stations serving the Long Island Railroad (LIRR) and 7 train, making it an ideal base for exploring both the immediate neighborhood and greater New York City. 'As we open The Westin Flushing LaGuardia Airport today, we're proud to see such a perfect alignment between the Westin brand and this vibrant location,' said Paul Williamson, General Manager. 'This new property allows us to seamlessly blend wellness-focused hospitality with the unique character of the neighborhood, creating a distinctive experience for both international travelers and local guests.'