The COMAC C919 is China’s bid to compete with Airbus and Boeing in the single-aisle airline market, but the development program, already years behind schedule has been further delayed by a mere miscalculation.
Aircraft development relies heavily on close coordination between the airframe designer and the engine partner. Engines must be selected based on weight and performance parameters. Apparently, COMAC engineers sent the wrong data to CFM International, the engine manufacturer.
The delays and miscalculations reflect China’s relative inexperience with modern airline engineering and development.
According to Jean-François Dufour, Chief analyst of DCA Chine-Analyse, said, “The C919’s real mission is to conquer a domestic market dominated by its two foreign competitors.”
Still, the airliner may be pressed into service before worldwide acceptance. Realistically, once certified in China, the communist Chinese government can force its own airlines to purchase the aircraft, rather than Airbus or Boeing models.