Leap Forward Leveraging Domestic Market... Rising Competitiveness of Chinese Aerospace [Reality of Chinese Technology?]②

China's domestically developed medium-sized passenger aircraft, the C919, has begun commercial operations, shaking up the global aircraft market landscape. The C919, produced by the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC), is a model targeting the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320, and is regarded as a symbolic project for China's aviation independence. Additionally, China is accelerating its independent space development, intensifying the competition for dominance across the aerospace industry.

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Is China's Aircraft Technology Fully Independent? ... Limitations Remain

China began developing the C919 in 2008 and obtained certification from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) at the end of 2022. Subsequently, in May 2023, it successfully completed its first commercial flight and officially commenced operations. By the end of last year, the cumulative number of passengers on China's first domestically produced medium-sized passenger aircraft, the C919, exceeded one million, indicating smooth operation.

The C919 is a single-aisle passenger aircraft with a seating capacity of 168 to 192. While some analyses suggest it has emerged as a strong competitor to the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320, which dominate the global market, a significant portion of the C919's core components still rely on American and European technologies. Therefore, it is somewhat difficult to claim the title of an 'aircraft made with independent technology.' The engine used is the LEAP-1C, manufactured by CFM International, a joint venture between the American company GE and the French company Safran. The avionics are supplied by the American company Honeywell, and the landing gear is produced by the French company Safran.

Because major systems are based on foreign components, there are limitations in securing international competitiveness. In fact, COMAC is actively promoting overseas sales of the C919, but due to certification issues and lack of reliability, major international airlines are reportedly cautious. Currently, the Chinese state-owned airline China Eastern Airlines operates the aircraft, and while over 1,000 orders have been secured, most are for the domestic Chinese market. Experts point out that for China to expand its influence in the global market, long-term localization of engines and core components is essential.

Nevertheless, the C919 is regarded as a case where China has challenged the dominance of the United States and Europe in the aircraft market. COMAC is also pursuing the development of the C929, a large long-range aircraft following the C919. The C929 targets the Boeing 787 and Airbus A350 models, demonstrating China's strategy to enter not only the medium- and short-haul passenger aircraft market but also the long-haul aviation market.

In particular, the Chinese government actively supports the adoption of the C919 by domestic airlines and is making efforts to develop overseas markets. Moves to expand cooperation with countries in Russia, Southeast Asia, and Africa and to build sales networks have been observed. However, to establish a foothold in the international aircraft market, it is essential to secure global trust in safety and operational efficiency. An industry insider stated, "Currently, the C919 is mainly operated within the Chinese domestic market, but if localization of parts and reliability are resolved, it has the potential to be competitive in the global market."

Accelerating Independent Steps in the Space Industry

China is challenging the dominance of the United States and Europe not only in the aircraft industry but also in space development. The 'Made in China 2025' initiative defines the development of advanced space equipment, entry into outer space, and the exploration and utilization of space resources as a crucial pillar for building an innovative nation.

China completed its own satellite navigation system, BeiDou, in 2020, reducing dependence on the US GPS. In 2022, it began operating its independent space station, Tiangong (天宮), eliminating reliance on the International Space Station (ISS). Furthermore, China is advancing the Chang'e (嫦娥) program, aiming for a manned lunar landing by 2030, marking a full-scale leap toward becoming a space power.

China's space development goes beyond simple research and is conducted at the national strategic level. Through the Chang'e program, lunar exploration is continuously expanding, and plans to establish a research base on the lunar surface by 2025 are underway. The China National Space Administration (CNSA) has announced, "After 2030, a manned base will be established on the moon to conduct long-term exploration activities."

China is also actively pursuing Mars exploration. After successfully landing on the Martian surface with Tianwen-1 in 2021, China plans a manned Mars mission by 2033. Amid accelerating US-China space competition, China's establishment of independent technology and infrastructure to expand global influence is noteworthy.

China's private space industry is also experiencing rapid growth. According to iiMedia Research, a Chinese market research firm, the compound annual growth rate of China's private aerospace industry from 2017 to 2024 exceeds 20%, with the market size estimated at approximately 2.34 billion yuan (about 433 trillion won) as of last year. In 2023, China launched a total of 270 satellites, of which 137 (65%) were commercial satellites. In the same year, China's private orbital launches numbered 67, accounting for 30% of global launches and ranking second worldwide after the United States (116 launches, 52%).

Experts predict that the private aerospace industry will become a core area of US-China technological competition. In particular, attention is focused on the competition expected in the low Earth orbit satellite business, which is essential for future autonomous driving and other technologies.

Seungjo Kim, Professor Emeritus of Aerospace Engineering at Seoul National University and former director of the Korea Aerospace Research Institute, said, "China is vigorously pursuing the Low Earth Orbit Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (LEO PNT) system business," adding, "This technology will become very important in the future." He further explained, "For autonomous driving or autonomous flight, precise location confirmation is necessary, making LEO PNT crucial," and predicted, "China will become very strong in this field."

However, Professor Kim assessed that it would be difficult for China to quickly produce a case like the US company SpaceX, which has secured a large number of low Earth orbit satellites at low cost in the private sector. He said, "Elon Musk (CEO of SpaceX) said that designing is easy, but manufacturing is difficult, and establishing a system to produce cheaply is even more difficult," and evaluated, "It will not be easy for China to commercially realize a space economy like the US."