Would you fly on a jet made in China?
BEIJING: The days of Boeing and Airbus being the global leaders of aircraft manufacturing may be over as China confirms that it will invest US$7 billion to build its own commercial jet.
Russia is also planning to revitalise its aerospace industry and is encouraging Western companies to invest there.
The BBC reports, “The antique Tupolevs and other Russian-built aircraft that fly in both countries (Russia and China) need to be replaced before they fall out of the skies, but neither the Kremlin nor Beijing wants to hand billions of dollars to Boeing or Airbus without attempting to develop their own industries first.
“Both countries face enormous barriers to entry, with each type of aircraft costing up to US$10 billion to develop. They will also have to overcome the stigma of having Made in Russia and Made in China on their products.”
The BBC points out, “even if a Chinese-built jet sold only to domestic airlines, the potential would be enormous, with the market for new aircraft there estimated to be worth US$350 billion by 2025, according to Airbus. The Russian industry could be worth US$70 billion.
“One theory is that Chinese manufacturers might imitate their domestic automotive industry, using old designs to build cheap products that sell well domestically and in developing countries.
“This could create a two-tier industry, with rich passengers flying Boeing and Airbus and the less well off using Russian and Chinese aircraft.”
China has already built its own regional jet. The ARJ, which will carry 78 to 105 passengers. It is scheduled to have its maiden flight in March 2008. Seventy orders for the ARJ have already been placed.
China’s State Council Executive Committee last week said the programme to develop large passenger jets is a major strategic decision of the central government and a long-cherished aspiration of the Chinese people.
According to the committee, the programme will enhance China’s overall international competitiveness and help transform the nation’s economic growth.
The programme should carry out the “glorious, historical mission with relentless determination, a strong will and with unremitting efforts,” according to the executive committee.
Ian Jarrett
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