Chinese jet maker ramps up efforts to push Airbus and Boeing out

China has embarked on a course of expansion aimed at rapidly increasing its aircraft market share, through Comac, the country’s first domestic state-owned aerospace manufacturer, according to Financial Times. 

If successful, Comac could provide considerable competition down the line to established aviation players such as Airbus and Boeing.  

Some of China’s largest airlines, China Eastern Airlines, Air China and China Southern Airlines are already using Comac’s flagship aircraft, the C919, on domestic routes. 

The narrow-body, single aisle passenger jet, which has already received a number of subsidies, completed its first commercial flight back in 2023. However, although it is already being used for key routes, the aircraft is awaiting some certifications which will allow it to fly internationally. 

Comac is also developing the C929, which will be the company’s first wide body jet. 

Can China’s Comac steal market share away from Boeing and Airbus?

The current Chinese government has been heavily investing in Comac, in an attempt to increase the size of its domestic aviation market, while also solidifying its position in the international market.

It is Beijing’s aim to be less reliant on foreign aircraft manufacturers. This is in line with China’s plans to advance its technological power over the next few years.

Both short-haul and long-haul air travel has surged post-pandemic, boosted by cheaper fares and more deals on popular destinations. Mordor Intelligence expects the aviation market to expand from $343.54bn (€333.14bn) to $395.76bn (€383.78bn) by the end of the decade. 

Comac has revealed that it plans to start its expansion in southeast Asia as early as 2026, before targeting Western markets. However, at present, the company is still focusing on establishing its domestic market base. 

But scaling up production to match aviation giants such as Boeing and Airbus may prove a challenge, as Comac is currently manufacturing one C919 aircraft per month. IBA, an aviation consulting company, estimates that this figure can potentially go up to 11 monthly by 2040. 

In contrast, Boeing currently produces 38 737 MAX aircraft monthly, with plans to triple this number by 2027. Airbus has also announced that it expects the A320 aircraft production to hit about 75 units per month in 2027. 

As such, it may take Comac a significant time to match these production levels, while also building up a loyal market base simultaneously. 

However, Boeing’s recent crashes, as well as string of production issues and late deliveries have hit both investor and consumer sentiment, while also dealing a heavy blow to its market value. 

Similarly, Airbus is also experiencing a number of production and supply chain issues, leading to late and even cancelled deliveries in several cases, as well as an overall production slowdown.