COMAC Cuts 2025 C919 Delivery Targets

China’s state-owned aircraft manufacturer COMAC has reportedly slashed its 2025 delivery target for the C919 narrowbody jet, reducing the goal from 75 units to just 25. According to Bloomberg, the decision reflects ongoing supply chain constraints that continue to hamper the program’s planned production ramp-up.

The C919, designed to compete with the Boeing 737 MAX and Airbus A320neo families, has delivered only five aircraft so far this year—two to Air China, one to China Eastern Airlines, and two to China Southern Airlines, according to ch-aviation data. Despite the lower output, China’s “Big Three” airlines remain committed to the program, with Air China and China Eastern each expecting ten deliveries in 2025, while China Southern anticipates 12. Collectively, these carriers have commitments for up to 100 aircraft each.

Analysts note that the C919’s dependence on foreign suppliers has contributed to delays. The aircraft incorporates components from 48 U.S. firms, 26 European suppliers, and only 14 Chinese entities. This reliance became more challenging earlier this year when the U.S. temporarily restricted exports of jet engines and avionics to China amid trade tensions. Although the ban was lifted in June, the disruption slowed deliveries of key parts, including the CFM International LEAP-1C engines used on the C919.

The scaled-back production plans highlight the difficulty COMAC faces in building a truly independent aircraft supply chain. While the C919 remains central to China’s ambitions of challenging Airbus and Boeing, the program’s progress suggests that scaling up will take longer than initially projected.

Related News: https://airguide.info/category/air-travel-business/airline-finance/

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com