Taipei, May 23 (CNA) Taiwan's aviation industry is keen to develop business opportunities in Europe after holding a industry conference in the French city of Toulouse, the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) said on Tuesday.
At the conference, which was held on Monday at the site where Airbus aircraft are assembled, a group of Taiwanese aircraft component makers met with Airbus and its suppliers to discuss possible future cooperation and buying opportunities, the ministry said.
The suppliers included engine maker Rolls-Royce, aerostructure firm Stelia Aerospace, heavy equipment supplier the Liebherr Group, engine producer Safran S.A., Rockewell Collins Interior Systems, industrial group Diehl and aerospace components manufacturing and repair services provider NORDAM Group, the MOEA said.
China Airlines (CAL), the leading international carrier in Taiwan, played an intermediary role, helping the MOEA organize the conference in a bid to bring together Taiwanese aviation firms and potential buyers in Europe.
CAL has forged close business ties with Airbus by placing orders to buy 14 Airbus A350-900 XWB (Extra Wide Body) aircraft. The carrier has taken delivery of the first four A350-900 XWBs and the remaining 10 will be delivered by the end of 2018.
By taking advantage of CAL's Airbus aircraft deal, the MOEA said the event is expected to strengthen aviation industry cooperation between Taiwan and Europe. The ministry said Europe has been designated a top market for the local aviation industry to make its presence felt.
Local aviation firms have already worked with Airbus, Rolls-Royce and Safran in aircraft component development such as aircraft stabilizers and engines, according to the MOEA.
At the conference, Safran expressed an interest in working with Taiwanese firms to develop new LEAP aircraft engines and aircraft landing gears, while Rolls-Royce is looking forward to cooperating with Taiwanese firms in the roll out of engine components, the ministry added.
In addition, the MOEA said that NORDAM is likely to set up a joint venture with CAL to establish a foothold in the aircraft maintenance market. The ministry said it will invite the European firms to visit Taiwan in August to hold talks with the Taiwan aviation industry to flesh out the details of future cooperative ventures, which is expected to create new job opportunities in Taiwan and eventually upgrade the local industry.
The ministry said that Taiwan is seeking to become and integral part of the global aviation supply chain.
