Airbus plans China engineering center

Airbus intensified its bid to dominate China's aviation market, announcing plans to set up an engineering center in China next year focusing on R&D for the next generation of aircraft. Fully-staffed, the center is expected to employ around 200 engineers. Speaking at the week-long Zhuhai international air show, Laurence Barron, Airbus China President, said he saw the move as a preparatory step for China to become "a full risk-sharing partner" in a future new Airbus project, having at least a 10% share. Last year Airbus overtook rival Boeing in global plane deliveries and has a stated goal of securing more than 50% of China's market for civil aircraft.