Introduction to COMAC
Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China, commonly known as COMAC, was established on May 11, 2008. This conglomerate is not just a company but a powerhouse formed through the collaboration of several major Chinese entities including Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), Aluminum Corporation of China, Baosteel, Sinochem, Shanghai Guosheng Corporation, and SASAC. SASAC’s role is particularly notable as it manages Air China, the flag carrier of the country. COMAC was set up to consolidate all of China’s aircraft manufacturing capabilities, both military and civilian, under one roof. This strategic move was aimed to streamline operations and enhance the country’s self-reliance in aviation technology.
Historical Context and Evolution of COMAC
The roots of COMAC can be traced back to 1951 with the establishment of AVIC, which initially focused on replicating military aircraft under license from the USSR. Throughout the decades, especially during the periods of the Great Leap Forward and the Cultural Revolution, China’s aviation industry was primarily military-focused and isolated. However, the reforms in the late 1970s and early 1980s, marked by President Nixon’s pivotal 1972 visit, signaled the beginning of China’s open-door policy and its subsequent rise in the global aviation arena.
As China’s economy burgeoned, the demand for commercial air travel surged, leading to the fragmentation of CAAC into several airlines in 1988, including Air China, China Eastern Airlines, and China Southern Airlines. This breakup was aimed at fostering competition and accelerating modernization within the industry. Prior to this, Chinese carriers relied heavily on Soviet aircraft, which were rugged but technologically outdated compared to Western models. The introduction of Boeing and Airbus models through foreign investments marked a significant shift, introducing modern aviation technology to the Chinese market.
The Birth and Growth of COMAC’s Civilian Aircraft Projects
The inception of COMAC’s venture into civilian aircraft manufacturing can be seen with the Shanghai Y-10, which was a reverse-engineered version of the Boeing 707. Although the Y-10 project did not enter mass production, it laid the groundwork for future developments. The real breakthrough came with the MD-80/90 series, produced under a technology transfer agreement with McDonnell Douglas. This partnership, although short-lived due to McDonnell Douglas’s eventual merger with Boeing, was crucial in building China’s capabilities in modern aircraft manufacturing.
COMAC’s Current Fleet and Global Aspirations
The COMAC C909, formerly known as the ARJ-21, is a regional jet that marked COMAC’s entry into commercial aviation. Launched in 2002 and making its first flight in 2008, the C909 faced challenges due to CAAC’s inexperience with certifying new aircraft and underwent numerous design changes. Despite these hurdles, the C909 has been delivered to multiple customers, including the major Chinese airlines and some international customers like TransNusa of Indonesia.
Building on the experience gained with the C909, COMAC developed the C919, a more advanced narrow-body aircraft intended to compete directly with Airbus’ A320 and Boeing’s B737. The C919 features modern engines and technology, aiming to match or exceed the capabilities of its Western counterparts. As of now, COMAC has secured over 1,000 orders for the C919, primarily from Chinese airlines.
Looking towards the future, COMAC has also initiated the development of the C929, a wide-body aircraft designed to compete with the Airbus A350 and Boeing 787. This project represents COMAC’s ambition to not only capture the domestic market but also to challenge established Western manufacturers on a global scale.
Conclusion: Shaping the Future of Global Aviation
COMAC’s emergence as a key player in the aviation industry represents a significant shift in the global market dynamics, traditionally dominated by Airbus and Boeing. By continuing to innovate and expand its product lineup, COMAC is poised to play a crucial role in shaping the future of global aviation, offering viable alternatives and fostering competitive advancements in the industry.