Boeing announces deals with Chinese companies

Boeing signed several cooperation agreements with Chinese companies at last week's inaugural MRO Greater China exhibition in Beijing, indicating the US plane-maker's firm interest in expanding its business in China.

With China's commercial fleet continuing to grow, the agreements signed with Boeing covered in-flight connectivity, aircraft maintenance support and parts procurement.

Boeing has stated it signed a strategic memorandum of understanding with the Chengdu-based CETC Avionics Co Ltd to explore the development of in-flight connectivity solutions for its aircraft.

The company also reached a tailored parts package agreement with HNA Technic Co Ltd, the maintenance, repair and overhaul subsidiary of Hainan Airlines Group, aimed at improving access to maintenance parts through lower costs, streamlined procurement processes and customized support.

In addition, Boeing signed an agreement with Wuhan Hangda Aero Science & Technology Development Co Ltd to support the company in providing parts procurement solutions to customers. Wuhan Hangda is the leading MRO services provider for civil aircraft components and landing gear in China.

"We thank our Chinese customers and partners for their trust in the Boeing team and Boeing's service solutions," Aki Nakano, managing director for Commercial Sales in Greater China at Boeing Global Services, said in a statement.

"Through these partnerships, we will be better positioned to support the continued growth of China's commercial aviation sector."

According to Boeing's latest commercial market outlook, China's commercial aircraft fleet is projected to expand to 9,755 jets by 2044, generating an aviation services market valued at $825 billion over the period.

Last week's MRO Greater China Conference & Exhibition, organized by Aviation Week Network, attracted more than 8,000 industry participants and over 200 exhibitors.