Airbus signed a framework agreement with Suzhou Industrial Park on the establishment of Airbus China's new research center to be launched in Suzhou, Jiangsu province on Friday.

The center will provide research services in advanced manufacturing, hydrogen energy infrastructure, sustainability and electrification, future cabin and new technologies, which will benefit Airbus' global operations while strengthening the company's footprint and innovation partnerships in China.

"China not only has a promising aviation market, but also has advanced technological advantages in many fields. In the future, we hope to take advantage of the high-quality business environment of Suzhou Industrial Park," said George Xu, executive vice-president of Airbus and chief executive officer of Airbus China.

"The unique advantages of Suzhou in the supply chain, as well as the rich local top talent pool, will help to carry out more comprehensive cooperation with enterprises in the Yangtze River Delta region, so as to jointly contribute to the high-quality development of the Chinese aviation industry," Xu said.

Airbus is committed to leading the decarbonization of the aerospace sector. By 2035, the company aims to bring the world's first zero-emission commercial aircraft to the market. This is consistent with China's goal to peak its carbon emissions by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060, Airbus said.

Strategically positioned in the Yangtze River Delta Region of China, the research center will be supported from its proximity to the region's strong aeronautical and hydrogen related supply chain. With the new facility, Airbus reaffirmed its long-term commitment to develop and invest in China and further expand the company's footprint in the country, underlining its position as a reliable partner to China and the Chinese aviation industry.

"The latest movement shows Airbus's recognition of China's investment environment and technological advances, and the company's confidence in increasing its investment in the country," said Zou Jianjun, a professor at the Civil Aviation Management Institute of China.