COMAC's C919: Rapid Production Boost to Challenge Airbus and Boeing
Chinese aircraft manufacturer COMAC is ramping up production of its C919, aiming to produce 150 jets annually by 2030. With major orders from domestic airlines and a focus on reducing reliance on foreign manufacturers, the company seeks to challenge Airbus and Boeing on a global scale, despite facing certification hurdles
The Chinese aircraft manufacturer COMAC (Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China) is rapidly increasing production of its C919 to compete with the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737, aiming to capitalize on production and supply chain challenges faced by Western manufacturers.
With a goal of producing 50 aircraft annually in the short term and reaching 150 units per year by 2030, COMAC is positioning itself to challenge Western aerospace giants directly.
COMAC has already delivered 16 C919 aircraft, which entered commercial service in 2023, and plans to deliver 27 additional units by the end of 2025, according to aviation forecasts by Cirium. Shen Bo, deputy general manager of COMAC, confirmed these goals during an interview with The Paper, a Shanghai government-backed outlet, cited by regional aviation media Aeroin.
The company aims to increase production to meet the rising demand from Chinese airlines. Major carriers, including Air China, China Eastern Airlines, and China Southern Airlines, have each ordered over 100 C919 aircraft, with deliveries expected by 2031. These commitments highlight the C919's role in reducing China's dependence on foreign manufacturers.
Although COMAC's primary focus has been on its domestic market, the company is eyeing international expansion. However, obtaining certifications from global regulators remains a significant hurdle. These certifications are essential for the C919 to compete in regions dominated by Airbus and Boeing.
Airbus and Boeing: Industry benchmarks
As COMAC accelerates production, it faces fierce competition from established players. Airbus and Boeing, the industry titans, are also ramping up output of their popular single-aisle aircraft:
- Airbus A320 Family: Airbus aims to achieve a production rate of 75 aircraft per month by 2027, despite ongoing supply chain issues affecting engine deliveries and labor availability.
- Boeing 737 MAX: Boeing plans to produce 38 units per month by mid-2025, with an ambitious goal of reaching 57 units per month by the end of the same year. The company continues to address quality control issues and regulatory scrutiny following past incidents.
COMAC's growth strategy extends beyond the C919. The company is also developing the C929, a wide-body aircraft, with Air China as its launch customer. Additionally, plans for the single-aisle C909 reflect COMAC's commitment to diversifying its product line over the long term.
AUTOR
AEROIN es el medio líder de aviación en Brasil, y uno de los más leídos del mundo, con el que Aviacionline posee un acuerdo de intercambio editorial. https://www.aeroin.net
Comentarios
Para comentar, debés estar registrado
Por favor, iniciá sesión