Airbus Tianjin Delivers 800th A320 Family Jet; How Does This Accelerate Global Production?
Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience.
Airbus delivered its 800th A320 Family jet, an A321neo, from the Tianjin Final Assembly Line to Air China, cementing China's role in the global production ramp-up.
Key Takeaways
- •Airbus delivered its 800th A320 Family aircraft, an A321neo, from its Tianjin FAL to Air China in December 2025.
- •The production pace has accelerated, with the last 300 aircraft assembled in about five years, compared to 11 years for the first 500.
- •The Tianjin site now has two assembly lines, contributing 20% of Airbus's global A320 capacity to support the target of 75 jets per month by 2027.
- •The milestone confirms China's strategic shift from a major buyer to a critical manufacturing and supply chain partner for Airbus.
European manufacturer Airbus recently marked a major milestone. Its Final Assembly Line Asia (FALA) in Tianjin, China, delivered its 800th A320 Family aircraft. This landmark jet was an A321neo handed over to flag carrier Air China. The delivery, which occurred in December 2025, highlights the accelerating pace of aircraft production in the region.
Tianjin Final Assembly Line (FAL) Milestone
The Tianjin facility opened in 2008. It was the first Airbus commercial aircraft production line outside Europe. The site has become a symbol of strong Sino-European industrial cooperation. Its output has accelerated significantly in recent years.
It took 11 years for the plant to reach its 500th delivery in October 2020. However, the next 300 aircraft were assembled in barely five years. The 700th delivery was in July 2024, showing a clear A320 production ramp-up.
This rapid increase in volume is strategic for Airbus. It helps the company manage its extensive global order backlog. The A321neo is a key model for medium-haul routes.
China’s Role in Global Production
China is no longer viewed only as a massive customer market. It is now an indispensable part of Airbus’s global production network. The Tianjin facility is key to this shift.
Airbus has deepened its commitment to China aviation manufacturing. In October 2025, a second A320 Family assembly line opened in Tianjin. This expansion is designed to double the site’s output.
With two lines, the Tianjin site will contribute about 20% of Airbus’s total global A320 production capacity. This aligns with the company’s goal to reach a rate of 75 A320 Family aircraft per month by 2027.
Industry Impact and Market Outlook
The expansion helps Airbus spread its production risk across continents. It also shortens delivery times to its largest single-country market. China’s aviation market is forecast to need over 9,000 new aircraft by 2042. This represents roughly one-quarter of the world's total demand.
This milestone underscores the growing sophistication of the Chinese aviation supply chain. Chinese companies contribute components like fuselage sections and cabin interiors. These parts are used in aircraft assembled worldwide, not just in Tianjin.
Airbus is actively fostering local talent and technical skills. This is achieved through training centers and joint engineering programs. The Airbus Tianjin final assembly operation is now a core node in the company’s industrial strategy. It is vital for meeting future demand for the popular narrow-body jet airliner.
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Written by Ujjwal Sukhwani
Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience. Covers flight operations, safety regulations, and market trends with expert analysis.
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