Airbus, the Tianjin Free Trade Zone and China Aviation Industry Corp. (AVIC) have signed a framework agreement to extend the joint venture Airbus A320 Final Assembly Line in Tianjin beyond the 2016 expiration of the original accord inked in 2007.

Airbus holds a 51% stake in the FAL, with the remainder owned by the Tianjin Free Trade Zone and AVIC ( ATW Daily News, June 29, 2007 ). The FAL has produced 100 aircraft; the first was built in June 2009.

Airbus president and CEO Fabrice Brégier said in a statement, “Having a final assembly line in Tianjin has greatly promoted the Airbus brand and image in China and brought us closer to our customers in one of the world’s most important aircraft markets.”

The agreement to extend the FAL beyond 2016 was signed in coordination with German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s visit to China.