Rockwell Collins and China Leihua Electronic Technology Research Institute (LETRI), a subsidiary of the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), are establishing AVIC Leihua Rockwell Collins Avionics Company. This joint venture will focus on bringing the latest surveillance products to the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China Ltd. (COMAC) C919 aircraft.

A ceremonial signing took place last week in Beijing to celebrate the agreement.

"While this is our first joint venture with AVIC, it demonstrates a deepening and broadening of our trusted and collaborative relationship, which spans nearly three decades," said Kent Statler, executive vice president and chief operating officer, Commercial Systems for Rockwell Collins. "The signing ceremony signifies an important next step in fully establishing this entity."

Once the agreement conditions have been satisfied and approval by the Peoples Republic of China examination and approval authorities is obtained, AVIC Leihua Rockwell Collins Avionics Company will develop, manufacture and deliver integrated surveillance system products for the C919 program in China. By introducing Rockwell Collins' advanced avionics technology and international avionics technical services into China, the joint venture will boost the development and prosperity of the country's commercial aviation sector.

"In support of AVIC's overall strategy, AVIC Avionics Systems has made rapid progress in developing its commercial avionics business and increasing its role in the global commercial aviation industrial chain," said Lu Guangshan, chairman and president of AVIC Avionics Systems Company. "AVIC Leihua Rockwell Collins Avionics Company is one four joint ventures in place for the C919. We're confident that these partnerships can integrate the strengths of both sides to contribute to the program's success."

"This represents a significant milestone for our involvement with the C919 program, and is indicative of our continuing commitment to help grow the Chinese aviation industry," said TC Chan, vice president and managing director, Asia Pacific for Rockwell Collins.

"LETRI and Rockwell Collins have a long-term partnership. This is a win-win agreement for both parties as each brings proven experience and technology to jointly develop integrated surveillance products and provide services for the C919," said Zhou Han, the Secretary of Party Committee of LETRI.

In addition to providing the integrated surveillance system for the C919, Rockwell Collins is also providing communication, navigation, cabin management and inflight entertainment systems for the family of single-aisle aircraft. Additionally, Rockwell Collins and Xian Aviation Science and Technology Company (XASC), an AVIC subsidiary, recently delivered the C919 Engineering Simulator.

Rockwell Collins has been working with the Chinese aviation industry and its suppliers for more than a quarter of a century. The company's equipment is installed in many airplanes manufactured in China including the ARJ21, MA60/600, Y8, Y12, K8, and H425, and is on nearly every western airliner operated by China's airlines.