The Boeing 737MAX aircraft is a narrow-body trunk airliner of Boeing, which is the first model of the Boeing 737 family. It features a more efficient CFM International LEAP-1B engine and a unique ** style wingtip for improved fuel efficiency and environmental performance. However, the aircraft also had some serious safety issues, resulting in two fatal crashes, Lion Air Flight 610 in October 2018 and Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 in March 2019, which killed a total of 346 people. The cause of the accident was mainly related to the aircraft's Maneuverability Augmentation System (MCAS), an automated software designed to prevent the aircraft from stalling, but causing the aircraft to keep descending under incorrect data entry.
The accidents triggered a global grounding of Boeing 737 MAX aircraft that lasted nearly two years. During this time, Boeing and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have been heavily criticized and investigated for flaws, concealment and collusion in the design, testing and certification of the aircraft. The Boeing 737 MAX received recertification from the FAA in November 2020, allowing it to return to the air after a series of design and training improvements. Aviation authorities in other countries and regions have also lifted the ban on Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, but there are still some countries and regions that have not yet approved their resumption of flights, such as China.
Recently, former Boeing senior manager Ed Pearson and former Boeing engineer Joe Jacobson publicly stated in interviews with the New York Post and the Washington Post that they would not fly the Boeing 737 MAX and told their families to avoid flying the plane. Their reasoning was that their experience with Boeing had taught them that the company had put "profits" ahead of "quality control" and neglected the safety and reliability of the aircraft. They also revealed some problems and bad behavior within Boeing, such as pressure, intimidation, cover-up, deception, etc., as well as the FAA's negligence and inaction. They believe that the recertification of the Boeing 737 MAX aircraft does not solve the fundamental problem, and there are still potential risks and hidden dangers.
This remark has sparked attention and discussion, and there is a view that it is a former employee of Boeing who, out of conscience and responsibility, exposed Boeing's shady scenes and crimes, and spoke out for the safety and interests of the public. In any case, this statement has a negative impact on the credibility and market of Boeing and the Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, and also provides an opportunity for its competitors, especially the C919 aircraft developed by China.
COMAC C919 aircraft is a single-aisle narrow-body trunk airliner independently developed by China, positioned in the 150-seat market and can accommodate up to 190 seats. It was launched in 2008, made its maiden flight in 2017, received a type certificate from the Civil Aviation Administration of China in 2022, and delivered its first aircraft in December of the same year. The C919 uses CFM International's LEAP-1C engine, which is similar to the LEAP-1B engine used in the Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, but with some different features, such as a larger fan diameter and a higher bypass ratio. The C919 aircraft is also planned to add a domestically produced CJ-1000A engine as an alternative.
The main advantages of the C919 aircraft are safety, economy, comfort and environmental protection, which can meet the operational needs of airlines on different routes. It uses advanced aerodynamic design, materials and systems to reduce carbon emissions and fuel consumption, and improve avionics and cabin interiors. Its economic competitive advantage is also obvious, with a unit price of 09.9 billion US dollars, equivalent to 65.3 billion yuan, which is lower than the unit price of the Boeing 737MAX aircraft. The C919 aircraft has received more than 1,100 orders from more than 100 customers around the world, with the largest customer being China Eastern Airlines, which has ordered 100 aircraft. The C919 completed its first commercial flight in May 2023 and has already delivered three aircraft, with plans to ramp up production capacity and delivery speed over the next few years.
Project Sword
As a large passenger aircraft independently developed by China, the C919 aircraft is undoubtedly a major achievement of China's aviation industry and an important step for China to realize its dream of becoming a civil aviation power. Against the backdrop of a safety crisis and a crisis of confidence in the Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, the C919 aircraft has the opportunity to demonstrate its safety, economic and environmental advantages and strive for more market share, especially in China and the Asian region. Of course, the C919 aircraft also faces some challenges and difficulties, such as international certification, market development, technological innovation, service guarantee, etc., which require continuous efforts and improvement in order to compete fairly and effectively with competitors such as Boeing and Airbus in the international market.