NEW DELHI: The initiation of the C939 widebody jet project after the C919 narrowbody jet’s success showcases China as a strategic player in the global aerospace industry. Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (Comac), a government-owned aerospace manufacturer, has embarked on this project to take a bigger chunk of the international aviation market that has been for long dominated by Western behemoths such as Boeing and Airbus.
Thus Comac has through unveiling early designs for its C939 aircraft commenced what is expected to be a lengthy and intricate process leading to a competitive wide body plane. According to South China Morning Post, the new airplane design will have larger size and more advanced technology with higher passenger loads and ranges across global markets compared to the C919.
This development follows Comac’s ongoing C929 project aimed at directly competing with Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner and Airbus’ A350. Initially, a joint venture between Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) was set up for developing this plane. However, political events following Russian military aggression in Ukraine led to uncertainty over its future course. Despite this, individuals close to it feel optimistic arguing that “Russia’s absence has only affected us in some way but we can handle it … That is not entirely bad news” [interviewee], thus predicting successful navigation through difficulties.
Moreover, Comac intends also reducing dependence on western technological companies in regard to their newly developed model, C939. In particular, landing gears, engines are among other important parts about which the company hopes mainly Chinese manufacturers should be used domestically instead of foreign ones^6]. This shift is not just about becoming technological independence but part of China’s wider industrial strategy.^1
By 2030s or 2040s China aims at being world’s largest aviation market if present forecasts from major players like Airbus, Boeing or International Air Transport Association are considered valid. For instance, there are predictions made by Airbus, Boeing and the International Air Transport Association which point to rapid growth in the Asian aviation market. Comac’s development of aircraft like the C919 and now the C939 reflects China’s determination to carve out a substantial presence in the global aviation industry, challenging the long-standing duopoly of Boeing and Airbus and reshaping the competitive landscape.
