Russia and China signed an agreement during Russian president Vladimir Putin’s visit to China June 25 to establish a joint venture (JV) to design and develop new widebody aircraft.

Whichever way you look at it, 2016 is a daunting year for Airbus. In the narrowbody sector—Airbus’ bread-and-butter market—the A320neo entered service stutteringly. In the widebody sector, the manufacturer is pushing through A330neo development while also targeting delivery of 50 A350-900 aircraft by year end.

In the world of large new commercial airliner development, three-and-a-half years is no time at all. That’s why, with the Boeing 777X targeted at entry-into-service at the turn of the decade, initial engine tests have begun and the first structural components are already in development.