In a move that could hurt Chicago based Boeing Company (BA) and European based EADS the parent company of Airbus SAS, Chinese officials have said they want to start producing commercial jetliners. Experts are saying that by the year 2020, Chinese jets could be similar in quality to those of Boeing and Airbus.
However, some international aerospace analysts immediately voiced skepticism. And a Chinese aviation insider pointed to the huge technical and commercial challenges ahead.
Despite the 'huge technical and commercial challenges' China is expected to purchase some 1,600 new aircraft in the coming decade worth an estimated $180 billion dollars and Chinese airlines would most likely give preference to state built airplanes.
China already is building a regional jetliner that will carry 78 to 105 passengers and hopes to sell it abroad. The ARJ is scheduled to make its maiden flight in March 2008. If all goes well with the regional jet, China could make an even bigger push to develop their large jetliner more quickly.
I supose it's their right to build them, but it would be awhile before I would trust flying on them.
Posted by: Jonathan D. Parshall | March 21, 2007 8:36 PM | Permalink to Comment