Dassault Systèmes soars with fast-growing Chinese Aviation Industry

CATIA V5: The undisputed standard for Chinese aircraft development

Zhuhai, China – October 31, 2006 –Dassault Systèmes (DS) (Nasdaq: DASTY; Euronext Paris: #13065, DSY.PA), a world leader in 3D and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) solutions, today announced continued headway in China’s aviation industry. Dassault Systèmes has implemented over 3,000 CATIA V5 licenses with more than 15 leading Chinese aviation companies, who are using the solution for their 3D virtual design needs, making it the undisputed standard for Chinese aircraft development. 

“Working in close collaboration with Dassault Systèmes to leverage its full PLM offering allows us to deliver more innovative products- faster,” says Professor Ni Zhenbo, IT Director, First Aircraft Design & Research Institute. “Our aim is to grow together.  DS matches its PLM excellence with China’s leadership in aviation; this is the key to seizing maximum market share and becoming a world leader,” adds Denis Georgeon, General Manager of DS PLM China.

The Chinese aviation sector is playing a major role on the global stage, with industry analysts claiming that by the year 2020, China will need more than 2,600 new commercial aircrafts to cover demand.  They predict that China will stand as the world’s second largest aerospace market, after the United States.  To make this happen, leading Chinese aircraft manufacturers are actively investing in and developing cutting edge PLM strategies, strengthening their market position and driving innovation.  Dassault Systèmes is a natural partner to reach these goals, given its longstanding relationship with China’s aviation industry that began 15 years ago, and its 25 years experience working with international aviation giants.

In addition to using CATIA for their 3D virtual design needs, Chinese aircraft manufacturers are also adopting CATIA V5 specialized applications specific to design and manufacturing for composites, as well as sheet metal, while deploying DS’s end-to-end PLM solution.  The First Aircraft Institute, Dassault Systèmes’ largest Chinese customer, now leverages DS’ complete range of PLM solutions in addition to CATIA, including: DELMIA for maintenance operations simulation, ENOVIA for digital mock-up process management, and SIMULIA for virtual testing. Chengdu Aircraft Industrial (Group) Company Ltd. extensively uses DELMIA for end-to-end product and manufacturing data management.

“We are delighted that DS’ solutions are helping China’s aviation enterprises continuously improve their competitive edge, which ultimately leads to realizing China’s dream ‘Aviation & Aerospace Strengthen the Country,” says Mr. Heng Zhao, Sales Director of DS China,

Dassault Systèmes will be present (booth 1D2/7-1) at the 6th annual China Aviation & Aeropace Exhibition, which takes place on October 31, 2006 at the China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition Center in ZhuHai City, China.