TIANJIN, China--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Rockwell Collins and Beijing Bluesky Aviation Technology, an AVIC subsidiary, today signed a final agreement to establish ACCEL (Tianjin) Flight Simulation Co. LTD. Joint Venture (JV).
The JV, with equal shares owned by the two entities, will create a simulation and training center of excellence in China for commercial flight simulation and training solutions.
Under the terms of the agreement, signed today by LeAnn Ridgeway, vice president and general manager, Simulation and Training Solutions for Rockwell Collins, and Mr. Jin Dongsheng, chairman, Beijing Bluesky Aviation Technology, both parties are contributing financing, tangible assets and intellectual property to design, manufacture, sell and support the commercial flight simulators for China and eventually the global market. The JV has selected Tianjin Airport Economic Area as its location, a major and growing hub for the aviation and aerospace industry in China.
ACCEL will utilize Rockwell Collins CORE™ Simulation Architecture technology and leading visual systems, and Bluesky’s expertise on Chinese commercial aircraft flight simulation training solutions and local service and support.
“With this agreement, Rockwell Collins and BlueSky are transferring all of their commercial simulation systems business to the JV to create a global center of excellence,” said Ridgeway. “It marks the strongest collaboration yet between our two organizations, and is a monumental step in developing the fastest growing region in the world for commercial simulation and training.”
"The signing of the JV agreement marks the beginning of our new journey together between Bluesky and Rockwell Collins," said Mr. Jin. "With the combined expertise from both companies, I'm fully confident that the JV will be able to deliver world-class simulators and other training devices to meet our customers' training needs worldwide."
Upon approval by government and regulatory authorities, ACCEL will be incorporated in the city of Tianjin, with a grand opening anticipated by May 2014.
ACCEL will be managed by Andrew Morris of Rockwell Collins, a 38-year veteran of the simulation and training industry with extensive experience in China. Mr. Jin will serve as Chairman of the Board of Directors for ACCEL.
About Beijing Bluesky Aviation Technology
Beijing Bluesky Aviation Technology Co., Ltd. is affiliated with the AVIC Group. Bluesky is a professional high technology enterprise in the flight simulation area of the Chinese aviation industry, combining research and development, production and services. The Beijing Headquarters acts as the research and development center of the whole group.
About Rockwell Collins
Rockwell Collins (NYSE: COL) is a pioneer in the development and deployment of innovative communication and aviation electronic solutions for both commercial and government applications. Our expertise in flight deck avionics, cabin electronics, mission communications, information management, and simulation and training is delivered by a global workforce, and a service and support network that crosses 27 countries. To find out more, please visit www.rockwellcollins.com.