COMAC Explained: China’s Boeing

As it is today, the aircraft manufacturing industry is dominated by two major players. You got the American player Boeing, and the European player Airbus. The two companies have been duking it out for decades while fighting off new market entrants.

One of those new entrants is Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China or COMAC. It is a Chinese state-owned company trying to challenge Boeing and Airbus in the commercial aircraft space. It represents China’s most concerted effort for this market yet.

In this video, I want to trace China’s recent work in breaking into the super-competitive commercial aircraft manufacturing industry and why it has been so hard for them to make ground.

Edits and Errata:
3:04 - I want to add that China’s granted license was for MD-80 assembly.

Links:

[khalidmohamed]

I dont think China's main aim is to sell this plane to foreign customers. Their main aim is to sell this plane domestically so that they can reduce their dependence on Boeing and Airbus.

[lolollolol]

China needs another 10 years to catch up in difficult fields such as semiconductors and aviation. 10 years sounds like a long time but in the grand scheme of things, it's actually really fast.

[richyrich]

You also forgot to mention that the top three largest Airlines in China are Air China, China Southern, and China Eastern. All three are government owned airlines so the Chinese government can dictate what airliners it wants to buy.

[debochch]

7:34. "it can be very easy for a third wheel to be left behind". Wow, predicted Boeing’s 2024 wheel incident perfectly.

[ats]

You don't have to run faster than a bear to get away from him. Just faster than your slowest friend! ;-)

[toonpangboon]

Market drives innovation/business venture. China has the market so it is natural for China to venture into this business.

[johnzen]

The most difficult part of any product is from nothing to something. C919 seems to achieve this.

[ronaldmarcks]

Balanced and erudite, without being self-consciously cool. Thank you.

[manils]

Kudos. I happen to fumble on this video. No doubt every nation would like make its own Planes. Having worked in DGCA, I appreciate your interest. All the best.

[shazmosushi]

6:29 Reminds me of the rocket launch industry. Funny how in that industry, Boeing has become a slow incompetent incumbent being the prime contractor for the multibillion dollar pork program: the SLS (Space Launch System) super heavy lift rocket, and the Starliner capsule. Though many argue that Boeing is also the incompetent incumbent even when it comes to passenger jets. See the failures in development of the now-grounded 737 MAX.

Most see the turning point as when engineering-driven Boeing buying the finance-driven McDonnell Douglas. What ended up happening is all the finance management replaced the Boeing management. Which was great for the share price, bad for engineering and quality.

[MrOkadaman]

I remember what Chinese branded phones were like just 10 years ago. They were of poor quality and nobody took them seriously. If they keep at this, all they need is time.

[blitz]

I see this same issue in everyday life. Much of what is worth doing is just plan hard and under appreciated. People don't appreciate the work and effort that has gone into the most mundane objects, and even coping many products is surprisingly difficult.

[bryanlee]

This is a nice assessment of the issue rather than bashing just for sake bashing.

[qiyuxuan]

Some incorrect info. Y-10 is inefficient, but not that bad, it has flown to the airport in tibet, which is way more than 1 hour. Also, the C919 did not have a 5 year delay, the maiden flight is only delayed 1 year from 2016 to 2017, and the delivery was always set around 2020, and it will very likely deliver later in this year, so about 2 years delay.

[llee]

I believed COMAC wanted to buy Bombardier C300 when they had financial problems and US 300% duty but Canada stopped it. Now Canada has no industry either.

[robsten]

I admire how you explain the business aspect of running an airline. You really know the topic.

[ramonching]

The tasks are only daunting if you just keep on watching. If you start working on it based on specifications, things becomes easier.
The specs and data sheets is your guide. And your end point. Which is your product. Ex is the hydraulic or avionics system.

[jasoncentore]

I have a feeling China will do well. This looks like a great plane perfect for several different markets. Airbus and Boeing need some competition

[zhli]

The intention to keep key technologies out of Chinese hands has always been there, aviation industry is no exception. However, China is working on complete supply chain in every industry, this is among the last.

[ashishvatsavai]

Airbus a220(Bombardier C series Jet formerly) is also a major competitor in this segment, So it will be really hard for the C919 to compete internationally, But it can sell well domestically.