Plan for Self-Sourcing Parts Amid Concerns Over Escalating Trade Conflicts
China Commercial Aircraft Corporation (COMAC), encouraged by the success of its self-developed aircraft C919, has begun development of its third aircraft, according to a report by the Hong Kong South China Morning Post (SCMP) on the 14th.
According to SCMP, COMAC, buoyed by strong sales of the C919, has solidified its position as a commercial aircraft manufacturer and started work on the C939, a new wide-body aircraft and its third domestically produced aircraft. However, specific specifications have not been disclosed.
The C919 is China’s first domestically produced medium-sized aircraft successfully manufactured with indigenous technology after 16 years of research and development by COMAC. It can fly up to 5,555 km and accommodate 192 passengers. Its size is similar to the American Boeing 737 and the French Airbus 320. Globally, only Boeing, Airbus, and COMAC have commercialized medium-sized aircraft.
The C919, which has already begun flying on multiple routes, is securing its market position with full support from domestic airlines. The three major airlines?China Southern Airlines, Air China, and China Eastern Airlines?have each ordered 100 units, and China Hainan Airlines has signed a purchase agreement for 60 units. Among foreign carriers, Brunei Airlines has ordered 5 units. However, actual delivery and operation are expected to take several years.
The second aircraft following the C919, the C929, is a wide-body aircraft designed to fly international routes up to 12,000 km (7,500 miles). It is expected to have specifications similar to major competing aircraft such as Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner. The C929 was initially announced as part of a joint investment with Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), but the situation became uncertain after Western sanctions accelerated following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Another source told SCMP that Russia has already withdrawn from the related project but that the aircraft’s launch schedule will not be affected. The source explained, “The work related to the C929 is progressing smoothly by leveraging the experience, support, and systems gained through the design and development of the C919,” adding, “Russia’s withdrawal will have some impact, but it is manageable.”
According to estimates from Airbus, Boeing, and the International Air Transport Association (IATA), China is expected to surpass the United States within decades to become the world’s largest air service market. SCMP reported that as trade conflicts with the West intensify, China anticipates difficulties in procuring civil aviation parts and plans to source components domestically, from landing gear to engines.
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