A Cedar Rapids-based company is poised to take advantage of China’s growing aviation industry. Kent Statler, an executive vice-president with Rockwell Collins, says an increasing number of business travelers and members of the middle class in China is fueling the growth. That’s good news for Rockwell Collins, which manufactures communications, navigation and radar components in planes.

“Being part of that market for the long-term – establishing those relationships, establishing those positions – enables Rockwell Collins to truly serve a global marketplace in the most efficient, effective way…and it’s in the best interest of not only our customers, but also our shareholders,” Statler said. Rockwell Collins now has five offices in China after opening a new operation last week in Shanghai.

“We have to respect what each party brings to the table and we must have a path forward of how we optimize and take into account each other’s interests as we look forward at the marketplace,” Statler said. Rockwell Collins’ presence in China dates back to the mid-1980s. Statler was a guest on the Iowa Public Radio program The Exchange.