Airbus has surpassed the 1,000-aircraft delivery mark in China, underscoring the popularity of its modern jetliner product line across this major aviation market – which will continue to grow during the coming years.

This milestone was reached in December 2013 with the handover of an A320 to Air China. Speaking at the delivery ceremony, Airbus China CEO and president Eric Chen said: “Such a success couldn’t be achieved without the efforts and dedication of all the employees of Airbus China, and I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude and thanks to all of you.”

Airbus delivered its first jetliner to China in 1985, but the fleet grew slowly for the first decade. Deliveries to Chinese customers now account for over 20 per cent of total Airbus production and, according to forecasts, 170 aircraft per year will be delivered from 2014 to 2020.

“I couldn’t have imagined that we could have 1,000 Airbus aircraft in service in China when I joined the company 20 years ago,” continued Chen. “Airbus is a great company with attractive cultural diversity, technological innovation, and a comprehensive product range. That is why we’re celebrating this milestone today.” He added that Airbus China’s commercial goal is to expand the country’s fleet to 2,000 by 2020.

Airbus press release