China is looking to target the fast-growing market of single-aisle aeroplanes with the C919
The Chinese have a saying: “Nothing is impossible to a willing mind.”
They have proven it over the years, especially on the world business stage, with Chinese companies becoming dominant global players in various sectors.
Now, they are facing their toughest test.
China has set its sights on commercial aeroplane manufacturing – a sector that has arguably more hurdles and stumbling blocks than any other.
“The barriers to entry in commercial aircraft manufacturing are extremely high, and they are not just technological,” says Richard Bitzinger, a senior fellow at S Rajaratnam School of International Studies.
Tough competition
The state-owned Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (Comac) is the one tasked with helping Beijing break into the sector.
“Start Quote
Comac is up against one of the world’s strongest duopolies”
End Quote Richard Bitzinger S Rajaratnam School of International Studies
Set up in 2008, the firm is betting on its C919 aeroplane – a narrow-body, or single aisle plane that can seat up to 168 passengers – to be its launch pad.
The company is targeting the segment as the market for 100 to 200-seat single-aisle planes is forecast to be worth $20 trillion (£12.8tn) over the next 20 years.
Categories: Asia, China, Singapore, Technology