China's C919: Taking to the Skies, But Facing a 'Heart' Challenge

China's C919: Taking to the Skies, But Facing a 'Heart' ChallengeIn 2023, the C919 successfully launched, with Mr. Lu, an ordinary passenger, becoming the center of public attention for being its 500,000th passenger

China's C919: Taking to the Skies, But Facing a 'Heart' Challenge

In 2023, the C919 successfully launched, with Mr. Lu, an ordinary passenger, becoming the center of public attention for being its 500,000th passenger. The impressive achievement of the C919 safely flying for over 10,000 hours has filled the nation with joy, but a question that cannot be avoided also presents itself: the "heart" of the C919, its engine, still relies on imports.

The success of the C919 embodies the efforts and wisdom of generations of Chinese aviation professionals. However, a 60% domestic production rate means that its "heart," the LEAP-1C engine, remains in the hands of CFM, a joint venture between the US and France. This engine boasting excellent performance also harbors a significant risk: should the international situation change, the Chinese aviation industry will once again face a "bottleneck" predicament.

The experience of the New Regional 700 aircraft clearly illustrates this. This domestically-produced regional jet had its maiden flight indefinitely postponed due to the US halting the supply of Pratt & Whitney's PW150C engine, leaving it in a bind. This once again confirms the harsh reality: in the highly globalized aviation industry, without the support of core technology, even with the best designs and manufacturing capabilities, one cannot escape being at the mercy of others.

To break free from foreign engine technology constraints, Chinese aviation professionals have been working tirelessly. The CJ1000A, a high-bypass turbofan engine developed by Chinese companies, shoulders the responsibility of breaking the foreign monopoly. From 2018 onwards, it has achieved its first successful ignition, bird strike test, and accelerated its airworthiness certification. However, aviation engines are the crown jewels of modern industry, with their technical difficulties and long development cycles posing world-class challenges. Whether the CJ1000A will gain market recognition and fulfill its role as the engine for Chinese aircraft remains to be seen.

The stark contrast between the C919 and the New Regional 700 reflects both the brilliance and hardship of China's aviation industry development path. On the one hand, we see the significant progress of China's aviation manufacturing; on the other hand, we must soberly recognize that China still lacks certain aspects in core technology areas. Faced with an increasingly complex international competitive landscape, China's aviation industry must resolutely pursue a path of independent innovation to remain undefeated in future competition.

From "Made in China" to "Created in China," this journey is bound to be fraught with thorns and challenges. China's aviation industry must reflect deeply and accelerate its pace of independent research and development to truly grasp the reins of development. Only with the perseverance and determination to "sit on the cold bench for ten years" can we break through the technological blockade and allow China's large aircraft to truly soar through the skies.

The C919's safe flight for 10,000 hours is merely the first step on a long journey. How to turn the C919 from a "pride and joy" aircraft into a real economic asset is the true key to testing the strength of China's large aircraft.

First, the C919 must carve out its own international commercial path amidst the double pressure from Boeing and Airbus. These two aviation giants not only possess mature technology and products but also have an undisputed dominant position in the global aviation market. The C919 must demonstrate stronger competitiveness in terms of price, service, and safety to survive in this tight space. Safety, in particular, is crucial for the reputation and survival of aviation products. China's Commercial Aircraft Corporation (COMAC) must prioritize safety, using the most stringent standards to build aviation products that stand the test of market scrutiny.

Second, the C919 needs to provide efficient, convenient, and cost-effective after-sales service support to win the favor of more customers. From market competition to technological breakthroughs, from safe operation to after-sales service, the commercialization path of the C919 is destined to be challenging. However, we believe that as long as COMAC remains grounded, practices its skills diligently, it will undoubtedly secure a place for the C919 in the international aviation market.

The development journey of the C919 and the New Regional 700 reflects the rapid progress of China's aviation industry in recent years. On the one hand, we have achieved remarkable achievements, showcasing the rise of China's aviation industry to the world; on the other hand, we have also exposed some problems and shortcomings, particularly in the area of core technology, where there is still a risk of being "strangled."

The pain of the chip shortage applies to aviation as well. Without independent and controllable core technology, it is like building a house on someone else's foundation, constantly facing the risk of the "building collapsing." For China's aviation industry to achieve high-quality development, it must "firmly believe in itself," grasp core technology in its own hands, and forge a path of 100% independent innovation for itself.

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