Shanghai Free Trade Zone Lingang New Area accelerates the construction of a large aircraft industry ecosystem

On October 16, the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone Lingang New Area held the “2024 Shanghai Civil Aviation Industry Development Conference,” where significant strides were made in the large aircraft manufacturing sector. As a reporter on the scene, I witnessed the signing of 15 key projects within the civil aviation industry, collectively valued at over 26 billion yuan (approximately $3.6 billion). These projects encompass essential components such as airframe structures, composite materials, and onboard systems.

According to officials, the Chinese large aircraft industry has entered a new phase of industrialization and scale development, marking a major opportunity for both Shanghai and the Lingang area. The Lingang New Area aims to closely collaborate with the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) to expedite open innovation, refine the industrial ecosystem, and implement policies designed to attract and retain talent, all while working to build a globally influential civil aviation industry cluster in Lingang.

He Dongfeng, Chairman of COMAC, emphasized the strategic significance of Shanghai as the main hub for large aircraft industrialization, with Lingang serving as the frontline for this development. He noted that COMAC intends to leverage the scale effects of the large aircraft industry to draw high-end supply chains to Shanghai and Lingang, partnering with global suppliers to shape a robust large aircraft industrial ecosystem and help construct a world-class aviation industry cluster.

During the event, the Lingang New Area Administrative Committee signed three cooperation agreements with COMAC, Shanghai Aircraft Manufacturing Co., Ltd., and Shanghai Lingang Economic Development (Group) Co., Ltd., aimed at jointly advancing the development of the large aircraft industry and promoting high-quality growth in the industrial cluster.