China's C919 Gets "Zero Orders" at Farnborough Airshow: Challenges and Opportunities Await

China's C919 Gets "Zero Orders" at Farnborough Airshow: Challenges and Opportunities AwaitAs a global aviation event, the Farnborough Airshow drew top aviation exhibitors from around the world. In just a few days, the show welcomed nearly 70,000 visitors, generating over 80 billion in deals, including over 200 aircraft orders

China's C919 Gets "Zero Orders" at Farnborough Airshow: Challenges and Opportunities Await

On July 22nd, 2024, the highly anticipated Farnborough Airshow opened its doors in the UK, attracting global attention from the aviation industry. As China's first domestically developed large passenger aircraft, the C919 made its debut at the show, aiming to make a splash. However, the outcome was unexpected, with the C919 ending up with zero orders, sparking widespread attention and discussion.

Clash of Aviation Titans

As a global aviation event, the Farnborough Airshow drew top aviation exhibitors from around the world. In just a few days, the show welcomed nearly 70,000 visitors, generating over 80 billion in deals, including over 200 aircraft orders.

In the commercial aviation sector, aviation giant Boeing shone, securing 78 aircraft orders from Korean Air, Japan Airlines, Luxair, and national airlines, totaling 118 aircraft orders throughout the show. Boeings rival, Airbus, while not achieving major breakthroughs on the first day of the show, ultimately secured 164 aircraft orders, surpassing Boeing to become the biggest winner of the airshow.

C919's "Waterloo"

However, China's domestically developed C919 aircraft suffered a setback at the airshow, ending up with "zero orders."

Recent years have seen rapid technological advancements in China, with significant achievements in the aviation sector. The debut of the C919 and ARJ21 aircraft showcased China's progress in commercial aircraft, military aircraft, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

This wasn't the C919's first appearance at an airshow. In February of this year, the C919 and ARJ21 made their debut at the Singapore Airshow, securing 56 aircraft orders on the opening day, achieving considerable success.

So, why did the C919 come away empty-handed at the Farnborough Airshow? This was due to several external factors.

Firstly, the C919 has yet to receive airworthiness certification from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). Without certification, the C919 couldn't be displayed on-site at the show, only showcased as a model. This hindered the opportunity to fully demonstrate its advantages and deterred other airlines from gaining a comprehensive understanding.

Secondly, the C919's current annual production is only a dozen or so aircraft, insufficient for large-scale production. This has raised concerns about the commercial viability of the C919 among airlines.

Drones Shine

While the commercial aircraft sector saw lackluster results, China's UAV sector showcased its prowess. Within hours of the Farnborough Airshow's opening, China secured orders for hundreds of industrial-grade drones from other major nations, demonstrating its leadership in the UAV field. They also presented unique insights into low-altitude logistics.

New Opportunities for International Markets

Despite the limited success at the Farnborough Airshow, the C919 has received a steady stream of orders from across China since then, exceeding 1,000 aircraft.

As the number of orders increases, the C919's production capacity issues are becoming increasingly apparent. Currently, the C919's annual production stands at only 10-20 aircraft, unable to meet market demand. Chinese airlines are aware of this issue and have developed plans to increase the C919's annual production to 150 aircraft within five years.

Simultaneously, the C919's quest for EASA certification is on the verge of a breakthrough. In July, the C919 underwent a substantive certification assessment by relevant EU regulatory bodies, including simulated flight procedures, emergency response drills, and close observation of the aircraft itself. Sources reveal that the EU's assessment of the C919 has been positive, and the C919 is expected to receive EASA certification in 2025.

As these challenges are progressively addressed, the C919 will officially enter the international market, carving out a space for itself on the global stage.

Challenges and Opportunities Coexist

While China still has room for improvement in aviation technology and remains a long way from becoming an aviation superpower, even requiring dependence on other nations for certain components, China's aviation industry has immense potential.

As China's technological advancements continue to mature, the country will accelerate its pursuit of becoming a leader in the civil aviation sector, breaking free from dependence on other nations and truly becoming a leading force in the world's aviation industry.

Sources:

• Xinhua News Agency: "Overview | New Trends in Global Aviation Industry Seen at Farnborough Airshow"

• Beiqing Network: "China's Domestically-Developed C919 and ARJ21 Debut at Singapore Airshow, Securing 56 New Orders"

• China News Service: "China's C919, ARJ21, and C929 Models Featured at 2024 Farnborough International Airshow"

• Global Times: "Hong Kong Media: C919 Receives 'Positive Feedback' for Entry into Europe, EASA Conducts On-Site Certification and Discusses Specific Details"

• China Civil Aviation Network: "Farnborough International Airshow Day 3: Boeing Leads in Orders"

• China Civil Aviation Network: "Air China's First C919 Completes First Test Flight, Sources Say C919 is Expected to Receive EU Certification Next Year"

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