With the Spring Festival approaching, China's "Spring Festival" tide has once again become the focus of attention. During this year's Spring Festival, a new highlight appeared in everyone's field of vision, that is, the official operation of the domestic large passenger aircraft C919 into commercial flights. Four C919s joined China Eastern Airlines' Spring Festival flights, marking an important milestone in the development of China's civil aviation.
For a long time, although China has a huge market and development potential in the field of civil aviation, it has not been in a leading position in the global civil aviation industry chain. Airbus and Boeing have long dominated the global civil aviation market, and other civil aviation companies, although active, still appear to be less powerful than these two giants. The emergence of the C919 developed by COMAC is regarded by many industry insiders as a key factor that may change the pattern of the global civil aviation market.
The success of the C919 did not happen overnight. In the process of its research and development, China has overcome many technical difficulties and gradually increased the localization rate. The localization rate of C919 has reached 60%, which is similar to that of Airbus and Boeing. For any emerging large passenger aircraft project, 100% localization is not a necessary condition, but the important thing is to be able to improve its own design, manufacturing and operation capabilities through global cooperation and learning.
China's breakthrough in the field of aero engines is particularly crucial. While the C919 currently uses the LEAP-1C engine, China is already working on its own CJ1000A engine, which is expected to enter service in the coming years. The independent research and development of aero engines is not only a technical challenge, but also an important step on the road to the autonomy of China's civil aviation.
On January 26, 2024, China Eastern Airlines launched 4 C919s to carry 10 Spring Festival flights, carrying a total of 1,274 passengers. This not only means that the C919 has made important progress in commercial operation, but also symbolizes that China's self-developed large passenger aircraft has been recognized and supported by the market. The use of C919 is of special significance to the Chinese people, it is not only a technological breakthrough, but also a manifestation of national self-confidence.
However, the rise of the C919 has also attracted the attention of international competitors. In order to maintain its leading position in the field of civil aviation, the United States did not hesitate to return to the Boeing 737MAX 9 aircraft, which had previously been questioned due to safety issues. The Boeing 737 family has been involved in a number of serious accidents in recent years, resulting in damage to its brand reputation. The U.S. decision to return to the 737 MAX family is largely seen as a response to the C919 challenge.
The advent of the C919 has not been unhindered. European and American countries have imposed a series of restrictions on C919, including refusal to issue airworthiness certificates. Although airworthiness certificates in Europe and the United States are essential for international flight operations, China's large domestic market is enough to support the development of the C919. What's more, there is a huge demand for Boeing and Airbus aircraft in the Chinese market, and the restrictions on C919 in Europe and the United States may instead hurt their share of the Chinese market.
Looking ahead, China's civil aviation industry is expected to usher in explosive growth. This growth is not only due to economic support, but also to the development of science and technology, especially in the field of intelligence. The application of intelligent technology not only improves the safety of aircraft, but also brings more convenience to consumers.
Globally, the development trend of China's civil aviation industry has been affected by the epidemic. However, thanks to efficient anti-epidemic measures, China's civil aviation industry has taken the lead in resuming growth in the world. With the successful commercial flight of the C919, the future of China's civil aviation industry is promising.
To sum up, the emergence and successful commercial operation of C919 is not only a symbol of technological progress in China's civil aviation industry, but also a reflection of the country's comprehensive strength. Despite international competition and restrictions, the development momentum of China's civil aviation industry is unstoppable. The future development of C919 will be a key step for China's civil aviation to enter the international stage.
My personal opinion is that the success of the C919 is an important achievement in the development of China's aviation industry, and its appearance in the international aviation market has caused waves, marking that China has made significant progress in the field of high technology. Despite international competition and political restrictions, C919 still has huge market potential and room for development. The development of China's civil aviation industry can not only enhance the country's economic strength, but also enhance the country's scientific and technological level and international influence. With the further maturity and development of China's aviation industry, C919 and future domestic aircraft will play an increasingly important role in the global civil aviation market.