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Paris, France – The global aircraft manufacturing industry could see a significant shift as China’s Comac emerges as a formidable competitor to Airbus and Boeing, according to Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury. Speaking at a press conference following the announcement of Airbus’ annual results, Faury stated that the industry might evolve “from a duopoly to a potential triopoly.”
Faury responded to questions regarding Comac’s increasing production of its C919 jet, a single-aisle aircraft designed to rival Airbus’ A320 family and Boeing’s 737 Max. The C919 has gained traction in China and beyond, raising concerns among established manufacturers.
Faury acknowledged that past attempts by other countries to break into the competitive aircraft manufacturing market had been largely unsuccessful. However, he suggested that Comac has a more substantial chance of success due to its “privileged access” to the Chinese market, which accounts for approximately one-fifth of global aircraft demand.
“This will probably give them the room to export to other countries when the product is mature,” Faury added. While he noted that ramping up production in the current supply chain environment remains challenging, he emphasized that Airbus takes Comac seriously as a competitor.
Data from ch-aviation indicates that 13 Comac C919 aircraft are currently in service, operated by major Chinese airlines, including Air China, China Southern, and China Eastern. The company has reportedly secured over 1,000 orders, according to Comac chairman He Dongfeng, as reported by Chinese media in 2023.
Despite its progress, Comac still faces regulatory challenges. The C919 has yet to be certified by the United States or Europe aviation regulators. The company had aimed to secure European Union approval by 2024, as reported by Aviation Week last May. Meanwhile, according to Reuters, Comac has engaged in discussions with Saudi officials and Brazil’s Total Linhas Aéreas regarding potential expansion.
Airbus is increasing its A320-family production capacity in China in response to the evolving market landscape. Faury announced plans to bring a second final assembly line at its Tianjin plant online this year.
Airbus also reported positive financial results for 2024, with a 6% revenue increase to 69.2 billion euros ($72.2 billion) and a 12% rise in earnings per share to 5.36 euros ($5.60).
As Comac gains momentum, the aircraft manufacturing industry is pivotal. Whether Comac can genuinely disrupt the long-standing Airbus-Boeing duopoly remains to be seen, but the competitive landscape is undoubtedly shifting.