Japanese media: C919 challenges duopoly

Japan's Nikkei Asia Review article on June 20, originally titled: Flight C919 is stable, highlighting China's potential to reshape the jet market. Now air travel is revitalized. The International Air Transport Association predicts that this year, the number of flights operated by the world's airlines will reach a record 40.1 million, and the revenue will reach a record $996 billion. To meet this strong demand, airlines are seeking to add more flights, which in many cases will require more aircraft. However, Boeing is suffering from the production chaos that causes safety concerns, while Airbus's production capacity has peaked.

On the surface, this should be a great opportunity for new entrants to COMAC and other markets. Since the first commercial flight of China Eastern Airlines was launched in May 2023, the C919, the first large aircraft designed by China to compete with Boeing and Airbus in the market, has safely flown thousands of flights for domestic airlines. However, geopolitical tensions and other complex situations seem to make C919 not acceptable globally for the time being. Nevertheless, the R&D and commercialization process of C919, which began in 2007, has become a milestone in China's long-term march into the commercial aerospace field, which is listed as a strategic emerging industry by China. The first commercial flight of C919 from Shanghai Hongqiao Airport to Beijing Capital Airport loudly announced that COMAC had challenged the duopoly of Airbus and Boeing.

So far, COMAC has received more than 1200 orders for C919, which will be delivered in the next few years, mainly to Chinese airlines and leasing companies. In September last year, Brunei start-up airline Qiji Airlines signed a letter of intent to purchase 30 COMAC aircraft (including C919 and ARJ-21). Some western companies have also shown interest in the C919 project. Ryanair, one of the largest low-cost airlines in Europe, has supported COMAC to develop C919 since 2011.

At present, the C919 cannot carry out commercial flights in Europe or the United States, because the aircraft has not yet obtained the "airworthiness" certification from the regulatory authorities in both places. Although European regulators are reviewing COMAC's application, the attitude of the United States seems to be less open to this aircraft. However, so far, COMAC can continue to do business with American suppliers.

Through continuous independent innovation, strategic planning and diplomatic efforts, the C919 is indeed likely to become a competitive aircraft in the global market. Although C919 cannot fly in Europe or North America soon, as COMAC overcomes regulatory, technical and logistical constraints, this day will come, when COMAC may have new western partners. (Translated by Yihan Wang and Wang Huicong) ▲