Airbus CEO Warns of Growing Threat from China’s Comac in Aircraft Market
Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury warns that China’s Comac could disrupt the global aircraft manufacturing duopoly, highlighting the potential for a “triopoly” with the rising production of the C919 jet.
Photo Source: The Star
The Airbus CEO, Guillaume Faury, has raised concerns about the growing competition in the global aircraft manufacturing industry, with China’s Comac emerging as a potential serious challenger to the long-standing duopoly of Airbus and Boeing. Speaking at a press conference following Airbus’ annual results announcement, Faury suggested that the aircraft manufacturing sector might soon shift from a duopoly to a “triopoly,” with Comac increasing production of its C919 jet.
The C919, a narrow-body aircraft designed to compete directly with Airbus’ A320 family and Boeing’s 737 Max, has been gaining attention. While Comac has faced challenges in the past, Faury believes the company’s privileged access to China’s vast market — which accounts for about 20% of global aircraft demand — gives it a strong edge. He noted that this access could provide Comac with opportunities to expand globally once its product matures.
Although Comac has not yet received certification from US or European regulators, its progress is notable. With 13 C919s already in service with Chinese airlines, and more than 1,000 on order, the Chinese manufacturer has become a significant player in the industry.
As Comac looks to ramp up its production, Airbus takes the emerging competitor seriously, acknowledging that Comac’s presence will add more competition to the aviation sector.
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