China challenges Airbus and Boeing
"Important milestone" for China's aviation sector: this is how the first own passenger jet C919 is being advertised in Beijing. In the future, it will be able to compete with Airbus and Boeing.
China has presented its own C919 passenger jet to international media representatives for the first time, with which the People's Republic intends to compete with European aircraft manufacturer Airbus and Boeing from the USA and at the same time reduce its dependence on foreign technology. The Chinese-made aircraft, which made its maiden commercial flight from Shanghai to Beijing in May, was presented at Hong Kong airport on Wednesday. Two sightseeing flights over Hong Kong's Victoria Harbour are planned for Saturday.
At a ceremony at the international airport, Hong Kong's Chief Executive John Lee praised the C919 as an "important milestone" for China's aviation sector. The successful development of a large passenger aircraft symbolizes the "leading position" of the People's Republic in the transport industry.
China is confident that the model produced by state-owned Comac, which received official flight certification last year after more than a decade of development, will be able to compete with the Boeing 737 MAX and the Airbus A320. The C919 offers space for 158 to 192 seats and has a range of 5555 kilometers.
Officials also highlighted the aircraft's "advanced aerodynamic design" as well as the "state-of-the-art propulsion system" and materials used, which should lead to lower emissions and better fuel efficiency. The passenger aircraft, which is produced in China, although some of its components come from abroad, has so far received 1061 orders from more than 30 customers.
Asia, and China in particular, are also important markets for Airbus and Boeing, who want to benefit from the growing demand for air travel from the country's emerging middle class. At the beginning of the year, Airbus announced plans to double its production capacity in China and signed a contract to build a second production line for the A320 model at its plant in Tianjin.
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The C919, China's homegrown passenger jet, is seen as a threat to the dominance of Airbus and Boeing in the international market. Airbus Group and Boeing, facing competition, are both seeking to expand their presence in China's growing aviation market.
Source: www.ntv.de
