Clifford Chance has advised Airbus on a framework agreement for the extension of its A320 single-aisle aircraft final assembly line in Tianjin, China, with its Chinese partners Tianjin Free Trade Zone Investment Company Ltd and Aviation Industry Corporation of China, to include a completion and delivery centre for wide-body twin-aisle A330 aircraft. The A330 completion and delivery centre will be located near the site of the A320 final assembly line, and will cover aircraft completion activities including cabin installation, aircraft painting, engine run and flight tests.

The agreement was signed at the Airbus site in Toulouse, France and the signature was witnessed by visiting Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and French Prime Minister Manuel Valls.

Partner Kelly Gregory who led the deal said, "We are delighted to assist Airbus on its continued expansion of operations in China and proud to have advised on the original establishment of the joint venture in 2007."

At present, the in-service Airbus fleet with Chinese operators comprises over 1,150 aircraft (over 150 A330 Family and over 980 A320 Family aircraft). In the 20 year period between 2014 to 2033 Airbus forecasts a demand in China for more than 5,300 new commercial aircraft over 100 seats plus freighters. Airbus is headquartered in Toulouse, France.