TOKYO: The Japanese and French governments signed a memorandum of understanding that will allow more technologies from Japanese companies to be used on the aircraft of major European aircraft manufacturer Airbus SAS.
The MOU will encourage Japanese companies to enter the commercial aircraft market, which is projected to grow 5 percent a year thanks to rising demand in emerging economies, sources familiar with the situation said.
The two governments will help Japanese companies to introduce their technologies to Airbus, based in France.
The Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry will support Japanese companies’ development of technologies, by providing financial support, so that they can win contracts.
After the MOU was signed, about 100 Japanese companies joined a briefing session on Monday about Airbus’ strategy for next-generation aircraft development.
According to a senior Airbus official, the aircraft manufacturer is considering introducing Japanese technologies not only for its aircrafts’ engines and fuselages, but also in such areas as telecommunications technologies to help improve in-flight services, production facility automation and environmental technologies.
