Embraer is considering shifting some component production to Chinese partner Hafei Aviation Industry for aircraft assembled in China and potentially Brazil.
Harbin Embraer Aircraft Industry general manager Marcelo Ramon Ferroni says Hafei is bidding to produce portions of the ERJ-145 fuselage and wing-fuselage fairing.
Hafei and Harbin Aviation Industry each own 24.5% of joint venture company Harbin Embraer, which has begun assembling ERJ-145s at the plant they share in northeast China. Harbin is now using the same set of parts used to assemble ERJ-145s in Brazil, but if Hafei's proposal is accepted, production of some parts will be shifted from Brazil to China. Hafei's parts may also eventually be exported.
Harbin Embraer plans to roll out its first ERJ in December but is still searching for a launch customer. Industry sources say the company is trying to reduce its costs and lower aircraft prices. But suppliers are insisting on charging more for the parts they supply to China because of the extra shipping involved and the low quantities of aircraft to be assembled there initially.
Source: Flight International
