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By Scott Hamilton

Introduction

Jan. 17, 2022, © Leeham News: COMAC, the Chinese aerospace company developing the C919, suffered yet another setback last year.

It hoped to deliver the first aircraft, designed to compete with the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737-800/8, to China Eastern Airlines by year end. Not only didn’t this delivery take place, but the program is also only about 15% through the certification flight testing.

COMAC C919. Source: China Factor.

At this rate, certification, and delivery this year is questionable. LNA’s forecast for EIS is in 2023 or 2024.

COMAC’s other airplane, the regional jet ARJ21, landed its first order outside China (other than from lessor GECAS years ago).

Summary

• C919 is overweight, shortening range, and adversely affecting fuel economy.
• Commercial success of the C919 won’t be possible.
• ARJ21 lands first foreign operator, but it’s not an arm’s length deal.