World

Can China's plane-maker take on Boeing and Airbus?

April 29, 2019 5:07 am

For the past decade China, soon to become the world’s largest aviation market, has been developing its own planes as it seeks to loosen Western manufacturers’ grip on the sector.

The planes made by Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China – or Comac – have drawn plenty of criticism.

Few in the industry believe Chinese-made jets will rival those of Boeing and Airbus in the near-term.

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But analysts say that over time, state-backed Comac – part of China’s wider push into high-tech manufacturing – could challenge the established players.

“Do not underestimate Chinese ability to penetrate markets,” says Shukor Yusof, founder of aviation advisory firm Endau Analytics.

He says the landscape is likely to shift from a European-US manufacturing duopoly to accommodate a third party – “and that’s probably the Chinese”.