Delivery delays of C919 may prompt Chinese airlines to seek Boeing aircraft

China’s C919 commercial jet is facing delivery delays, prompting major Chinese airlines to consider additional orders from Boeing, analysts told The South China Morning Post.

COMAC, the state-owned manufacturer of the C919, increased its annual delivery target for the aircraft from 50 to 75 units by 2025. However, supply chain issues, particularly with engines, have affected the company’s production capacity.

Aviation analyst Yang Bo, from a Shanghai-based consultancy, stated that ‘China’s leading carriers have been hungry for new planes for years.’ Rising uncertainties over the C919’s delivery timeline have made some airlines weigh the possibility of transferring orders to Boeing, which is not subject to Washington’s export restrictions.

Boeing, after a period marked by production and regulatory challenges, plans to boost its output to meet growing demand. With Chinese carriers seeking to renew and expand their fleets, the US manufacturer could benefit if delays with the C919 persist.

The C919 is a narrow-body aircraft developed to compete with established models such as the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 in the single-aisle market. Its domestic production is part of China’s strategy to reduce dependence on foreign aircraft. However, supply chain constraints and the ongoing need for new aircraft among Chinese airlines maintain the relevance of international suppliers.

COMAC announced in March an initiative to increase its manufacturing capacity by 50% by 2025, aiming to accelerate C919 deliveries. Even so, analysts point out that unresolved technical and logistical challenges may continue to impact the aircraft’s entry into service on a large scale.

Industry observers note that a mutual interest in trade breakthroughs between China and the United States could also influence Chinese airlines’ procurement decisions. As the demand for commercial jets remains high, the ability to deliver new aircraft on schedule is a determining factor for carriers.

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Ricardo Meier

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