Airbus Opens Second A320neo Assembly Line in Tianjin to Expand China Production

Airbus has opened a second assembly line in Tianjin, China, marking its 10th global final assembly line and boosting production capacity for its A320neo family of jets, with the facility expected to be fully operational by early 2026. This expansion follows the recent opening of a second assembly line in Mobile, Alabama, reflecting Airbus's strategy to increase output to 75 A320neo jets per month by 2027 and to balance its manufacturing presence between the U.S. and China amid complex trade tensions. Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury met with Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao, who highlighted concerns over rising economic fragmentation and protectionism that disrupt global trade, while Airbus reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening China-Europe trade ties. The simultaneous expansions in China and the U.S. are carefully coordinated to navigate the ongoing trade war between Washington and Beijing, as Airbus depends on U.S. suppliers and aims to secure a major narrowbody jet order from China. These moves underscore Airbus's efforts to position production capacity closer to growing markets and to manage geopolitical risks without alienating either trade power. Industry sources note that Airbus's cautious approach includes holding low-key inauguration events to avoid aggravating sensitive trade relations.