AIDC to Ship More Fuselage Parts to Airbus in 2013 and 2014

Taipei, Nov. 30, 2012 (CENS)--Thanks to increasing orders from international aircraft manufacturers Airbus, Taiwan's state-run aerospace maker Aerospace Industrial Development Corp. (AIDC) recently claimed that its shipments of Airbus A321 fuselages in 2013 and 2014 will increase more than 12% and 55%, respectively.

In addition, AIDC's shipments of doors for Boeing B737 and B747, as well as front flaps for B787 (to subcontractor Alenia of Italy) are also increasing, with continued supply of flap fairings, front flaps and six other structural parts for Mitsubishi Regional Jet to Mitsubishi Heavy Industries of Japan.

Industry sources pointed out that ever more international aerospace suppliers are requiring subcontractors to set up comprehensive quality systems and additional production capacity to upgrade production flexibility and capability. More important, they added, to further upgrade cost competitiveness, major aerospace suppliers are requiring subcontractors to be willing to cut production costs.

Boeing, for example, requires all its suppliers to cut cost by 15% in five years to compete with major rival Airbus. GE Aircraft Engine (GEAE), a major aircraft engine supplier, also asked its supplier to cut cost by 3% per year. So, AIDC stressed, it will focus on upgrading management efficiency and cutting costs.

AIDC recently held its annual supply chain conference, and invited a senior executive from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to share experiences in supply-chain management.