China to Begin Building Aircraft

China’s Commercial Aircrft Corporation just announced receipt of orders for 100 C919 passenger aircraft. General Electric Capital Aviation Services, GE’s aircraft leasing company, agreed to buy as many as 10 C919s of this 166 seat aircraft. China’s three biggest domestic airlines are the majority of the other customers for the new, narrow body aircraft, according to Chinese authorities. A full-sized model of this aircraft was on display at the recent Zhuhai air show in southern China this week, with the first flight expected to take place in 2014; the airplane is expected to enter commercial service in 2016.

China plans to sell more than 2,000 of these aircraft over the next 20 years. Since it’s currently only on the drawing board, however,  no details were available on the aircraft at this point.

GE also announced an order for 25 China-manufacturered ARJ21 aircraft. The 70-seat ARJ21, which is China’s first regional jet, is expected to make its maiden flight this week. International suppliers to these Chinese-built aircraft include U.S. companies such as Honeywell International, United Technologies Corporation, and Parker Hannifin.

China continues to buy aircraft from both Boeing and Airbus.  Boeing has won orders for its 737 aircraft this year from Air China, Okay Airways and China Southern’s Xiamen Airlines. Airbus, earlier this month, announced an order for 102 airplanes from China, including 50 A320s.

China had 1,259 commercial aircraft at the end of 2008, the most recent figure published. In 1980 it had only approximately 140 commercial planes.  If you dream of flying for a Chinese airline, now is the time to learn to fly and prepare yourself for this excellent career in the growing China aviation industry.  Students come from all over the world to Phoenix East Aviation to learn to fly — and then fly for airlines throughout the world.  For more information see www.pea.com.