Orders of China’s C919 jet could face delays over engine supply snags
News Summary
Deliveries of China's C919 narrowbody passenger jet to major domestic airlines, including Air China, China Eastern Airlines, and China Southern Airlines, are reportedly falling behind schedule in 2025. Air China and China Eastern each received only one C919 in the first half of the year, despite their stated goals of adding ten aircraft apiece. China Southern, expecting twelve jets, had only financially leased three by June, without taking ownership. This delay raises speculation regarding potential disruptions to the C919's engine supply. Developed by Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (Comac) to compete with Airbus A320 and Boeing 737, the C919 had seen hundreds of orders from state-owned airlines in 2024. Independent aviation analyst Li Hanming indicated that Comac might be encountering difficulties in securing engines for the model.
Background
The C919 is China's first domestically developed narrowbody passenger jet, produced by the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (Comac). It aims to challenge the long-standing dominance of Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 in the single-aisle aircraft market. The jet made its maiden commercial flight in May 2023 and has since transported over 2 million passengers, securing hundreds of confirmed orders from China's three major state-owned airlines in 2024. Aircraft engines are among the most critical components, and the Chinese aviation industry has historically faced technological bottlenecks in high-performance aero engines, remaining highly reliant on imports.
In-Depth AI Insights
What does this delivery delay signify for China's aerospace self-sufficiency goals? - The delivery delays highlight China's ongoing reliance on foreign suppliers for critical technologies like aero engines. - While the C919's airframe and some systems are domestically produced, the core propulsion system remains its Achilles' heel. - This indicates that China still faces significant hurdles in achieving full self-sufficiency in aerospace manufacturing, particularly amidst geopolitical tensions that could impact supply chains. How might engine supply issues impact Comac's international expansion strategy? - Potential engine supply problems could damage the C919's reputation for reliability and on-time delivery, which is crucial for Comac's international market penetration. - International customers prioritize supply chain stability and component availability when selecting aircraft. - Such uncertainties could make it harder for Comac to compete with Airbus and Boeing, which have established global supply chains, thereby limiting its share in the global aviation market. What role do U.S. technology export controls play in such delays? - Although not explicitly stated, given the context of the re-elected Trump administration in 2025, U.S. technology export controls, especially in aerospace, remain a persistent risk factor. - The C919 currently uses engines primarily from CFM International, a joint venture between U.S. General Electric and France's Safran, which contain significant U.S. technology. - Any new or intensified export controls could directly affect the supply of engines and critical components, forcing China to accelerate domestic alternatives, but this gap cannot be bridged quickly, leading to production disruptions or delays.