Originally Posted by
SMT Member
Forgive me for maybe having misunderstood it, but it was my impression that the C919 is certified to standards which are non-compliant with those of the FAA and EASA, meaning it won’t be certifiable within those jurisdictions.
If it can be certified; if COMAC get their after-market support in order; if it comes with acceptable performance and maintenance guarantees; if it’s offered at 75% the price of a Max or Neo, then it would stand a decent chance of enjoying some success outside of China.
It’s 1980’s technology, with a lot of if’s around support and life cycle costs. I expect China will try to bully EASA into certifying it with threats of cutting off Airbus from the China market. China doesn’t do subtle
Even if China can get a Western regulator to certify it, I don’t think there is going to be any appetite among established airlines to buy in. The Sukoi regional jet is a salient lesson in the dangers of “problematic” manufacturers.