Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, May 27 (Xinhua) — Rolls-Royce Corp.’s first aircraft engine maintenance, repair and overhaul (AER) joint venture (JV) on the Chinese mainland plans to start operations by the end of 2025, an official from the British aircraft engine maker said.
The new plant, located in the northeastern suburbs of Beijing, marks a significant expansion of the aircraft engine giant’s presence in one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets, reflecting the corporation’s optimism about the Chinese market and its recognition of the country’s supply chain.
Beijing Aero Engine Services Ltd (BAESL), a joint venture between Rolls-Royce and Air China, plans to initially service Trent 700 engines for Airbus A330 aircraft, and then move on to Trent XWB and Trent 1000 engines for Airbus A350 and Boeing 787 aircraft respectively, Troy Wang, executive vice president of Rolls-Royce Greater China, told Xinhua in an exclusive interview.
“When the facility reaches full capacity, which is expected to be reached by the mid-2030s, BAESL will be able to handle up to 250 requests per year,” he said.
The plant, which will employ up to 800 people at full capacity, represents a strategic growth initiative in China, Rolls-Royce’s third-largest single-country market globally by revenue.
Prior to the creation of BAESL, Rolls-Royce served Chinese customers through its global network of retail outlets, which included Hong Kong-based HAESL, established in 1997.
BAESL is the latest in a series of Rolls-Royce investments in China, including five joint ventures with Chinese partners.
The aviation sector is projected to need more than 8,200 new passenger aircraft by 2043 to meet growing demand, including more than 1,500 wide-body jets, according to a report released by the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC).
“China is not only a market, but also an important part of our supply chain,” said Troy Wang, stressing that Rolls-Royce has built a vast network of more than 50 suppliers across the country who produce key engine components and parts, “innovating in digitalization and automation.”
BAESL is being established as “the world’s leading aircraft engine repair shop using the latest digital technologies.” The joint venture is already collaborating with leading digital solution providers in China to develop capabilities using artificial intelligence.
Despite global economic uncertainty, China’s aviation sector is showing surprising resilience and growth potential as its industrial ecosystem continues to demonstrate competitiveness in cost, quality and lead times, according to Troy Wang.
Last year, Rolls-Royce expanded its joint venture in China with Guangxi Yuchai Machinery Co. Ltd., a Chinese internal combustion engine maker, to tap into the country’s fast-growing market. -0-