The Airbus A320 final assembly line in Tianjin (near Beijing) has been closed for an indefinite period due to the health crisis caused by the coronavirus, the aviation group announced on Wednesday.
The Tianjin facilities were already closed for the Chinese New Year celebrations and their reopening has been delayed due to the spread of the coronavirus.
The production capacity of the Tianjin final assembly line was expected to reach six aircraft per month at the end of 2019, according to Airbus.
In addition to Tianjin, Airbus has two final assembly lines in Toulouse for the construction of A320 family of single-aisle aircraft (A319, A320 and A321) and the manufacturer will install a third one in 2021. It also has four final assembly lines for the A320 family aircraft in Hamburg, and one in the United States in Mobile, Alabama.
Airbus statement:
Airbus is closely monitoring the evolution of the Coronavirus situation and following the World Health Organisation travel advice that is affecting Airbus globally.
The Company is regularly updating staff on the situation and on necessary precautions to take.
Airbus China is observing Chinese Government requirements for staff to work from home and is facilitating with IT equipment so employees from all locations including Tianjin do not need to travel to work where possible. With regards to the business impact, China domestic and worldwide travel restrictions are posing some logistical challenges. The Tianjin Final Assembly Line facility is currently closed.
Airbus is constantly evaluating the situation and monitoring any potential knock-on effects to production and deliveries and will try to mitigate via alternative plans where necessary.
Airbus will provide updates as the situation evolves.
