China’s 5-year jet goals target C919 output, a new engine and reduced reliance
Amid geopolitical risks and supply-chain disruptions, Beijing is looking to shore up self-sufficiency in aircraft components, and an analyst says it has its work cut out
Beijing aims to accelerate the rise of China’s home-grown airliner fleet, including the C909 regional plane, C919 narrowbody and C929 widebody, through 2030.
This push to challenge the duopoly of Boeing and Airbus comes as a national five-year plan calls for aircraft production, development and the roll-out of a domestically developed engine.
The next five years will prove vital to the success of the three aircraft models and the continued localisation of critical parts such as engines, according to an analyst. The road map addresses vulnerabilities amid ongoing disruptions and geopolitical turmoil.
China will boost production and strengthen supply chains. Specialised models will be developed – including a high-plateau variant designed to operate at high-altitude airports, where thinner air reduces engine performance and lift. And efforts will be stepped up to resolve technological hurdles in widebody-jet development.
“For the C919, the key words are output and supply chains,” said Brian Yang Bo, a veteran aviation consultant. “This is a candid admission of the challenges it has faced, and thus the focus is squarely on stabilising and growing output.”
The narrowbody jet is the flagship model from the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (Comac) and has been in domestic operations since May 2023.