Win-win agreement signed

THE Zhi-15 (Z-15), a 6,000kg-class medium utility helicopter jointly developed by Harbin Aviation Industry (Group) Co Ltd and French Eurocopter, is expected to make its first flight in 2009 and become certified by European EASA in 2011 and Chinese CAAC in 2012, it was announced at a press conference yesterday. The helicopter aims to fulfill the growing demand for this class of helicopter in both civil and military markets in the next decade. Harbin and Eurocopter signed a joint development and production agreement worth 6 billion euros in December 2005.
China Southern Airlines, Air China International and China Eastern Airlines signed a letter of intent yesterday to cooperate on line maintenance, sharing of spare parts, in-depth repair and aircraft maintenance training. The three airline giants are endeavoring to lay a solid win-win foundation by improving aerial maintenance capability and efficiency while reducing cost, industry insiders say.