China's C919 Makes Appearance at Dubai Air Show, Clearly Demonstrating China's Ambitions to Compete with Global Aviation Giants (Reuters)

At the impressive Dubai Air Show, the C919 passenger jet of China Commercial Aircraft Corporation (COMAC) made its debut, aiming to strengthen China's position in the global aviation market. Currently, delivery delays by Western companies are affecting the global aviation market.

According to Reuters, this display is symbolic but also carries significant strategic importance. Beijing hopes to use this opportunity to showcase its first completely independently developed jetliner. After 17 years of the project, COMAC is striving to compete with aviation giants such as Airbus and Boeing.

Air Display and Direct Promotion

The plane is painted white with blue and green stripes, and a promotional banner accompanying it reads "When a Miracle Meets Another Miracle."

The Chinese delegation refused to answer questions about seeking their first buyer outside East Asia, but the public showed strong interest, with dozens of visitors queuing up to watch the plane and listen to the pilot talk about his flying experience.

Last month, Brunei became the latest country to allow its airlines to operate aircraft made in China.

The startup company Galup Air, based in Brunei, ordered 15 C909s and 15 C919s, planned for delivery in 2023. However, neither of these models has yet secured significant international customers.

Confidence in China's planes' ability to attract operators outside East Asia is increasing (Reuters)

New Models Will Compete with Major Airlines' Single-Engine Aircraft Series

COMAC displayed a new production line at the Dubai Air Show, including an extended version of the C919, which can accommodate around 210 passengers.

According to Reuters, the extended version of the C919 targets the Airbus A321neo and Boeing 737 MAX 10 models, which are the most competitive segments in the single-engine aircraft market.

The company also showcased the C909, the first domestically produced jet aircraft in China since 2016, which is currently operated by several regional airlines.

Western Companies Are Cautiously Welcoming, and the Chinese Aircraft Market Is Gradually Taking Shape

Reuters also cited statements from officials of both Western companies. The CEO of Boeing's commercial aircraft business said, "Competition is beneficial for the industry... It makes us all better."

Meanwhile, a business executive from Airbus stated, "This is not a threat, but a competitor, this is reality." However, according to Reuters, analysts believe that apart from supportive countries, China will find it difficult to gain a significant share in the global market in the short term. Nevertheless, China's appearance at large exhibitions like Dubai reflects its desire to enter the last strongholds of Western industries.

Severe Dependence on Western Suppliers and the Impact of Trade Tensions

Despite COMAC's claim that the intellectual property rights of its technology are protected within China, according to Reuters, the aircraft manual shows that COMAC relies on 18 Western suppliers for engines, landing gear, and other components.

The launch of the C919 marks China's direct attempt to compete with the most popular Western aircraft in the market (AFP)

This year, the United States suspended the issuance of engine export licenses to COMAC, highlighting the impact of Sino-US trade tensions.

According to a statement from the company quoted by Reuters, the company "has always been committed to open cooperation and looks forward to building closer and deeper relationships with customers and partners around the world."

Gulf Region Still Shows Strong Interest in the Model Despite Delivery Delays

Reuters noted that China has close economic ties with Gulf countries, presenting real opportunities for the development of the aircraft in the region, despite COMAC failing to meet its C919 delivery target this year.

The company also displayed promotional materials for the wide-body passenger jet C929 at the Dubai Air Show. Initially a Sino-Russian joint project, the C929 was later changed to be fully led by China, but did not provide sufficient technical details.

Sources: Reuters

Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7574249210619511330/

Statement: This article represents the views of the author. Please express your opinion below with the 【Up/Down】 buttons.