Can China's Homegrown Passenger Jet C919 Challenge Airbus and Boeing?

Once upon a time, Chinese people used to look up to the sky in awe as Airbus and Boeing planes passed overhead. However, that might change in the near future due to China's homegrown passenger jet - the C919. It's been a long time coming, but Chinese aviation manufacturers are finally making waves in the industry.

The C919 is a narrow-body, twin-engine aircraft that can fly up to 4,075 km and seat up to 174 passengers. China's biggest state-owned aerospace manufacturer, the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC), has been working on the C919 since 2008, and expects to get certification by the end of 2021. With a price tag of $50-70 million, it's cheaper than Airbus and Boeing's competitors, making it an attractive option for airlines.

The C919 has been in development for over a decade and its success will not only challenge Airbus and Boeing's dominance, but will also boost China's economy. Here are some quantifiable examples:

• China's aviation market is projected to be worth $1.5 trillion over the next 20 years, and the C919 is expected to capture a significant share of this market.
• COMAC has already received 815 orders for the C919 from 28 customers, mostly Chinese airlines, including the country's three biggest carriers - Air China, China Eastern Airlines, and China Southern Airlines.
• China's "Made in China 2025" initiative lists aviation as one of the key areas where China seeks to establish global dominance, and the C919 is a key part of this plan.

China's Homegrown C919: The New Challenger to Airbus and Boeing's Dominance?

1. The C919 is expected to challenge Airbus and Boeing's dominance in the narrow-body, single-aisle market, particularly in China and other emerging markets.
2. Although the C919 has faced delays and certification may take longer than expected, it has already received a significant number of orders and is a core part of China's plans to establish itself as a global aviation leader.
3. The success of the C919 will depend on its design, reliability, and efficiency, as well as China's ability to compete with Western aerospace manufacturers in areas such as technology and safety standards.

and Case Studies

One case study is the development of the C919's engine. The engine was originally designed by CFM International, a joint venture between General Electric and Safran Aircraft Engines. However, in 2016, China announced that it would develop a homegrown engine for the C919. While development has been slower than expected, Chinese officials have argued that the engine will be just as good, if not better, than the CFM engine.

Another anecdote comes from a Chinese passenger who flew on a C919 test flight in 2017. She noted that the plane was "quiet and comfortable," and that it was a "source of pride for the country." However, she also expressed some concerns about the plane's safety and reliability, which will be key factors in the C919's success.

Reference URLs, Hashtags, and Keywords

Article Category: Business

• Reference URLs:
  • C919 Takes Flight Ahead of Certification Push
  • China's C919 Jet Set to Challenge Airbus and Boeing in 2021, Over a Decade Since Its Inception
  • China's COMAC Receives 1,000th Order for Home-Grown C919 Jet
• Hashtags: #C919 #COMAC #Airbus #Boeing #MadeInChina2025 #Aviation #ChineseEconomy
• SEO Keywords: C919, COMAC, Airbus, Boeing, Made in China 2025, aviation, Chinese economy