A350 slot constraints pose challenge for Airbus in China
The lack of early available delivery slots for the Airbus A350 is a major challenge for the manufacturer as it pitches the type to Chinese customers. “Our industrial constraint is that you need to place the order well in advance to ensure delivery at a given period… so with 800 A350s being ordered, of course it’s a mathematical exercise,” says Airbus China president and CE Eric Chen. The problem in particular for Chinese customers, is that they plan their fleet requirements in 5-year periods, and are cautious when it comes to ordering aircraft beyond that timeframe. The next 5 year period covers 2016 to 2020. “We’re trying to satisfy our customers, but yes I have slot issues,” says Chen. He adds that Airbus is in active discussions with various Chinese airlines regarding the A350. <br/>
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A350 slot constraints pose challenge for Airbus in China
The lack of early available delivery slots for the Airbus A350 is a major challenge for the manufacturer as it pitches the type to Chinese customers. “Our industrial constraint is that you need to place the order well in advance to ensure delivery at a given period… so with 800 A350s being ordered, of course it’s a mathematical exercise,” says Airbus China president and CE Eric Chen. The problem in particular for Chinese customers, is that they plan their fleet requirements in 5-year periods, and are cautious when it comes to ordering aircraft beyond that timeframe. The next 5 year period covers 2016 to 2020. “We’re trying to satisfy our customers, but yes I have slot issues,” says Chen. He adds that Airbus is in active discussions with various Chinese airlines regarding the A350. <br/>
