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By: CNN
The C919 passenger jet, developed by the state-owned Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (Comac) in Beijing, emerged from Chinese airspace for the first time on Sunday, making an appearance at the Singapore Airshow.
This single-aisle aircraft, potentially challenging Western-manufactured planes like Boeing and Airbus, stands as a significant emblem of Beijing’s broader strategy to bolster its “Made in China” initiative, aimed at reducing dependency on foreign producers.
Referred to by China as its inaugural large-scale domestically produced passenger jet, the C919, with a capacity of nearly 200 passengers, embarked on its maiden commercial flight last May. Currently certified for domestic operations within mainland China, the aircraft operates under China Eastern Airlines.
“This marks the first time we will be having exhibitors from China,” Cindy Koh, executive vice president of Singapore’s Economic Development Board, stated to reporters on Sunday, underscoring the notable presence of Chinese representation at the airshow.
China’s aspiration to compete with established aviation giants Boeing and Airbus is no secret. The C919’s overseas introduction coincides with a turbulent period for Boeing, with recent incidents garnering negative attention, such as a portion of a 737 Max 9 Boeing plane detaching during a flight with Air Alaska in the United States.
Shukor Yusof, founder of Endau Analytics, an aviation industry tracking firm, anticipates intense scrutiny of the C919 during the Singapore Airshow, attended by industry executives and government officials worldwide.
“Interest is high to observe the actual performance of the aircraft in flight,” Yusof remarked.
The aviation industry presents formidable barriers to entry, with only a handful of nations manufacturing their own aircraft due to the extensive technical expertise, time, and resources required. The development and production of the C919 have reportedly incurred approximately $49 billion in expenses, according to the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, although precise financial details remain elusive due to Comac’s opaque finances.
While the model conducted a demonstration flight in Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour in December, its certification by American and European aviation authorities remains pending, posing a significant setback, as noted by Yusof.
Moreover, escalating tensions between Beijing and Washington may impede Comac’s efforts to penetrate Western markets. Despite these challenges, Yusof believes the C919, with its operational capacity of five to six hours, holds potential appeal for regional travel, particularly in Southeast Asia, Africa, and Central Asia.
“It will emerge as a competitor on a smaller scale, but it will not rival Airbus and Boeing,” Yusof concluded. Last year, Indonesian low-cost carrier TransNusa became Comac’s inaugural overseas client, acquiring its ARJ21 regional jet, which accommodates just under 100 passengers.
