The first COMAC C919 has been delivered to China Eastern and will begin commercial operations soon. While the ramp-up will be gradual, the COMAC C919 is a game changer because it will compete directly with western giants like Boeing.
The potential market for the COMAC C919 is just beginning to be felt, and it could double if China seeks to mandate the aircraft for Chinese airlines and export it to China’s African trading partners. COMAC now has orders from Chinese airlines and leasing companies for over 1,100 C919 aircraft. For the West, this means 1,100 aircraft that Boeing or Airbus will not produce, worth roughly $100 billion at list prices.
China has taken a long-term approach to aviation, and the COMAC C919 provides China with a homegrown and economically competitive option that is an upgrade to the A320ceo and 737NG families. Furthermore, China’s Belt and Road Initiative now includes an airborne component that can be added to its economic cooperation package.
Notice: ICNA has compiled content information based on a post in the AirInsight Group.
Featured Image: The first COMAC C919 | Photo: China Transport News
