China's aerospace manufacturing sector has come a long way and is making a myriad of parts for Western airframers and, more importantly, parts that are of the same standard of those made in the West.
When China embarked 10-15 years ago on contract work for Western aircraft makers there were many instances when Airbus and Boeing had to scrap the "China made" parts because they failed to meet Western standards.
The Western airframers had given the Chinese the work as a result of offset programmes, a lure for getting aircraft orders from China.
But since those early days the standard of China's workmanship has improved dramatically.
 |
|---|
© Leithen Francis/Flight International |
Overseas aircraft-makers are now commissioning work, not just in the hope they can generate sales in China, but because China can deliver on quality and at a lower cost. Bombardier, for example, has China's Shenyang Aircraft making the aft and forward fuselage as well as the empennage for the Q400 turboprop.
The Canadian aircraft-maker has also tasked SAC with making the aluminium-lithium centre fuselage for the CSeries, a new narrowbody that Bombardier hopes will leapfrog the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 in the technology stakes. Bombardier says it gave SAC the CSeries contract because the Chinese firm has "a strong design capability". The Chinese company is helping with the design of the fuselage.
China is also trying to design and build world-class aircraft of its own. It has a 90-seat regional jet, the Comac ARJ21 that is due to enter service towards the end of next year. There is also the 130- to 200-seat Comac 919 that is in the early stages of development and is due to enter service in 2016.
No-one doubts China can build aircraft. But while it has decades of experience, whether it can build one that can compete internationally is another question.
There is also a big question mark over whether China can develop a comprehensive customer support network. Chinese aircraft-makers so far have a poor reputation for customer support, which is why Chinese airlines tend to buy aircraft from overseas.
No-one should underestimate China's determination and financial resources, key ingredients for success in the aerospace sector. And the government has made it a matter of national priority to become a major aerospace player. But it would be naive to assume there will be no major setbacks on the road to success.
Source: Flight International
