China Has Hopes Of Competing With Boeing, Airbus In Single-Aisle Category

Sources familiar with the progress of China's Comac C919 aircraft say that its first flight could be delayed by as long as two years, dealing a blow to the company that eventually hopes to compete with Airbus and Boeing for single-aisle airliner market share.

Reuters reports that Comac had hoped to fly the new airliner designed to carry 156-168 passengers by the end of this year. But now sources say it will not be ready to fly before the first half of next year, and could be longer.

First deliveries had been planned for 2018, but now that date could slip until sometime in 2020, according to the source.

If it is delayed that long, a new Comac C919 will be technologically inferior to re-engined versions of the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320, both of which will enter service in the next two years.

Reuters reports that Comac has commitments for 450 of the C919s, mostly from Chinese airlines and leasing companies. Analysts say that further delays could mean that the airplane could have issues gaining traction with any but domestic airlines in China.

FMI:  http://english.comac.cc/products/ca/pi/