SHANGHAI: After years of consistent efforts, ultimately Friday, 5 May will be the historic day for the Aviation industry of China when its homemade passenger jetliner will take to the air for its maiden flight, according to a report.
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The C919 is part of China’s efforts to develop a homegrown aviation industry in one of the world’s biggest and fastest-growing air travel markets. China currently relies heavily on foreign-made aircrafts
State-owned aircraft maker Commercial Aircraft Corp. of China Ltd., or Comac, based in Shanghai, has completed work on the 175-passenger C919.
Earlier The C919 was due to fly in 2015, but then because of some manufacturing issues the project was delayed. It is expected to enter service in 2019, aimed at competing with the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737, along with the Russian Irkut MC-21.
Airbus and Boeing say the market for new aircraft will be worth more than $5 trillion over the next 20 years. Industry experts say China faces a tough slog capturing a significant share of that market, even with government support. Comac has 517 orders for the C919.
Last June, the ARJ21-700, China’s first homemade regional jet, made its debut flight carrying 70 passengers.