|
|||||||||||||||||
|
|
|||
Cessna And AVIC Partnership Strengthens Supply For China Aviation Needs By Eddy Metcalf |
||||
May 3, 2012 - Cessna Aircraft company, signed a strategic agreement with the China Aviation Industry General Aircraft Company Ltd., (CAIGA) and the Shijiazhuang Municipal Government.
This agreement is a progression stemming from the
strategic framework that Cessna entered into with CAIGA
parent company, Aviation Industry Corporation of China
(AVIC), in March 2012.
Specifically, this next step forms a cooperation framework for an eventual joint venture whose purpose will be the final assembly, sales, and customer support for the Cessna Caravan in China for the Chinese market. |
||||
"It is important to understand that today's agreement is a direct result of the overarching agreement signed with AVIC in March. This agreement picks up where that announcement left off," said Mike Shih, Vice President, China Strategy and Business Development for Cessna.
"Not only does this continue Cessna's involvement in the
development of General Aviation in China, but it also paves the
way for aircraft sales to which we would not have otherwise had
access. These Cessna aircraft will be manufactured in the United
States, in Kansas, and sent to Shijiazhuang, China, to undergo
final assembly and then be sold in China."
Cessna and CAIGA plans include locating the joint venture's
operations at the CAIGA facilities in Shijiazhuang to conduct
final assembly, painting, testing, interior installation,
customization, flight testing and delivery of the Cessna Caravan
to in-country customers.
"As a subsidiary of AVIC, CAIGA has demonstrated great
capabilities with general aviation production, and this made the
choice of the Shijiazhuang facility a simple one," said Lannie
O'Bannion, Business Leader for Caravan aircraft.
"The cooperation between Cessna and CAIGA will enable us to
deliver the Cessna Caravan within China for many different
purposes. We have seen interest for the Caravan for use in
commuter aviation fleets as well as China's growing tourist and
sightseeing businesses. The versatility of the Caravan makes it
a great fit for this market." |