Despite the world economic crisis, no Chinese air carrier has cancelled orders with Airbus, Laurence Barron President of Airbus China, confirmed on March 30 in Beijing.

 

But Barron acknowledged that some Chinese air carriers have asked France-based Airbus to postpone delivering aircraft, Reuters reported. Barron made these comments at a ceremony held by Airbus on March 30 for the delivery of one A320 Family aircraft to a Chinese private air carrier, Spring Airlines.

 

Airbus said that if the number of aircraft ordered is not large, Airbus can hold discussions with some Chinese air carriers to help them weather the economic crisis. At present, Airbus is not encountering serious difficulties in aircraft delivery.

 

According to Groupe Radio France Internationale, China's three largest air carriers are experiencing operational difficulties due to noticeable declines in the number of passengers during the economic crisis. The three carriers all posted a loss in 2008. Foreign media previously said that the Chinese government has encouraged Chinese air carriers to put off aircraft delivery or even cancel orders, while some Chinese air carriers were criticized for having purchased too many aircraft, resulting in economic liabilities.

 

Barron said that it is very hard to forecast when the Chinese aviation market will recover and stabilize. From a long-term point of view, however, Airbus is optimistic about the China market. Barron estimates that once the aviation market becomes stable, China will place aircraft orders in bulk, as China needs to purchase at least 3,000 aircraft to meet its air transport needs for the next two decades.