Chinese fighter builder Avic Defense wants to talk with all major Western business jet manufacturers as it looks to launch itself in that market. After China’s slow progress in independently developing commercial aircraft, Avic Defense has concluded that it needs to work with an experienced foreign company to get into business aircraft manufacturing, says one industry executive.

HONG KONG — Russian Helicopters and Chinese partner Avicopter are in the technical definition phase of their proposed Advanced Heavy Lifter program, with no deadline set to move into full-scale development. Each of the two companies is likely to take responsibility for its own part of the proposed helicopter if and when the program is formally launched, says Victor Egorov, deputy director of marketing at Russian Helicopters.

The first Chinese order for five Boeing 747-8s from Air China should lift prospects for the freight version of the type as the cargo market recovers. Air China, whose order is the first for the Intercontinental since Korean Air signed for five in December 2009, is expected to deploy the aircraft on routes such as Beijing to the U.S. East Coast. Delivery dates are not disclosed. The order is subject to approval by the Chinese government and will not be counted in Boeing’s order totals until it is approved.