Civil aviation is a big business. Just consider this -- demand is forecast for about 12,810 new airplanes in the Asia-Pacific region valued at around
$2 trillion over the next two decades. This represents about
40% of the forecasted global demand for about 32,600 airplanes over the same period. Furthermore, Airbus expects the passenger numbers in Asia to grow at a rate of about 5.6% annually, with
China is anticipated in double digits.
With A (airbus) and B (boeing) already in the loop, here comes C (comac) to the game. It would be quite significant if Comac grabs a slice of domestic market share, say 20%. That's a lot. That's why Airbus and Boeing have their manufacturing bases in China to be close to users.
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Maiden flight of first China-made passenger plane
China's homegrown large passenger plane C919 takes off on its maiden flight in Shanghai, east China, May 5, 2017. (Xinhua/Ding Ting)
BEIJING, May 5 (Xinhua) -- China's homegrown large passenger plane, the C919, took to the skies on Friday in the eastern city of Shanghai, marking a great improvement of China's innovative capability and high technology in aviation and aerospace industry.
Departing from Shanghai Pudong International Airport at around 2 pm (0700GMT) with five crew members on board but no passengers, the twin-engine plane signals the country's entry into the global aviation market as a strong competitor.
CHINA'S EFFORTS IN AVIATION
Within only 10 days, China has successively launched its first home-made
aircraft carrier and large passenger plane, showing its determination to implement "Made in China 2025," a plan to
transform China from a manufacturing giant into a world manufacturing power.
Douglas Royce, an aerospace expert at Forecast International, an aerospace market research firm, told Xinhua that "the Chinese government is interested in establishing independence and self-sufficiency in all aspects of aviation, so it is as much a national project as it is a commercial venture."
In 2007, plans to develop a Chinese-built large passenger jet were approved by the State Council. In November 2015, the first C919 jet rolled off the assembly line.
The "C" in the aircraft's name stands for both China and COMAC, while 9 symbolizes "forever" in Chinese culture, and 19 represents the 190 seats at maximum capacity.
With a standard range of 4,075 kilometers, the narrow-body jet is comparable with updated Airbus 320 and Boeing's new generation 737.
Royce believed that "the Chinese government is engaged in a long-term process of catching up to Europe, the
United States, and
Russia in commercial aircraft. This is one step in that direction."
Michel Merluzeau, director of AirInsightResearch, an aerospace & defence market analysis and consulting group, based in Seattle, told Xinhua that he was impressed by the role of the Chinese government and the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC), the manufacturer of the C919, to accelerate innovation and implement innovative programs.
ACCESSING TO INT'L MARKET
So far, 23 foreign and domestic customers, including China's national carrier Air China and leasing company GE Capital Aviation Service, have placed orders for 570 aircraft, according to COMAC.
Merluzeau anticipated that by the mid-2030s, COMAC is going to become an important partner to the global aerospace supply chains, owing to the growth of supply chains in China proper and partnership and the importance of market. "It cannot be ignored," he said.
However, "at least in the early years of service, demand will be centered in the Chinese market and a few satellite markets," Royce commented on C919's competitiveness with Airbus and Boeing, which are competitive rivals for China's jet and have spent decades competing fiercely against each other.
In Merluzeau's view, Western certification is a major challenge facing the Chinese passenger jet now. Getting European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification would be a huge win for the program as it carries different weight comparing with China's certification recognition.
"If achieved, I think it will greatly enhance the accessible market of C919," he said.
Royce anticipated that the COMAC is likely to become a major player in the airline segment over a very long term.