Embraer says the near entry into service of the Comac ARJ21 regional jet has not impacted its sales in China thus far.
Speaking to Flightglobal in an interview in Beijing, Embraer China president Guan Dongyuan says the 78-90 seat Chinese indigenous jet lies in a "different category" from the E190 and E195 it is pushing in China, which can sit up to 120 passengers.
“Even if they are in the same category, just like Airbus and Boeing, nobody can dominate and monopolise the market… how can one supplier feed the demand of more than 1,000 aircraft in the next 20 years? It’s very hard,” says Guan.
China also imposes a 17% tax on the import of aircraft under 25t, which is why Embraer no longer markets its ERJ-145 and E170 in the country.
Asked how the Brazilian manufacturer will strive to stay ahead of the ARJ21 in its home turf, Guan says Embraer will compete on quality of its products and the support it can provide customers.
He also stressed that while Comac has commitments for over 315 of its regional jets, Embraer has already delivered 155 aircraft in China. The 62 regional jets and seven executive jets in its backlog are also firm orders, he adds.
ARJ21 launch customer Chengdu Airlines plans to enter the aircraft into commercial passenger service next February, after it takes delivery of the type in November.
Source: Cirium Dashboard
