MILAN, Feb 09 (Class Editori) — China could start delivering its C919 passenger jet, the challenge to the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320, by the end of the year, after having repeatedly postponed its entry into commercial market and despite the difficulties in obtaining certifications also due to the US sanctions. This was reported by the Chinese economic newspaper Caixin Global.
The Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) released the drafts of an internal meeting in which President He Dongfeng confirmed 2022 as the year to start deliveries, even though he admitted that there are tight deadlines.
The C919 still needs to be certified by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) before it can enter commercial market, but only 34 of the 276 tests required to achieve certification have been completed so far.
COMAC was planning to launch the aircraft in 2017, but several issues about component sourcing and technological solutions forced a delay in commercialization.
One of the problems was posed by Donald Trump's US presidency, which included two COMAC subsidiaries on the list of companies tied to the Chinese military, thus making it difficult to purchase some components and technologies. In fact, about 60% of the component suppliers for the C919 are American companies, including General Electric and Honeywell.
The C919 is a project that began in 2008. It was designed to carry between 158 and 168 passengers. It made its first test flight in May 2017 and, at the moment, six prototypes are flying in different regions of China. Regulatory investigations began just over a year ago.
COMAC has so far received provisional orders for 800 aircraft, mostly from Chinese airlines or leasing companies. In March of last year, China Eastern Airlines signed its first final contract to purchase five aircraft.
(Source:Class Editori)
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