Chinese aviation giant COMAC is ramping up production of its domestically developed C919 passenger jet. This move comes in response to a surge in orders for the aircraft, signaling China's growing ambitions in the commercial aviation sector. The expansion will take place at COMAC's existing production facility in Shanghai, with details on the exact scale of the expansion yet to be officially announced.
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The impetus for this factory upgrade is a significant rise in C919 orders. Major Chinese carriers like Air China and China Southern Airlines recently placed substantial orders for 100 C919 jets each. These orders come on top of existing commitments from other airlines and lessors, bringing the total number of C919 orders to over 1,000. However, it's important to note that a large portion of these orders come from within China itself.
The C919 is a narrow-body, single-aisle jet designed to compete with established players like Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 in the short-haul travel market. While the C919 has already secured its airworthiness certificate and begun limited commercial operations with China Eastern Airlines, it still faces challenges in gaining wider international acceptance. Certifications from regulatory bodies outside of China are needed for the C919 to be used by airlines globally.
COMAC's factory expansion reflects China's strategic goal of becoming a major player in the commercial aircraft manufacturing industry. By increasing production capacity, COMAC aims to meet the growing domestic demand for the C919 and potentially establish itself as a competitor to Western giants in the international market. The success of this endeavor will depend on the C919's ability to gain international certifications, its performance compared to competitors, and its overall reception by airlines worldwide.