China Seeks To Break World 'Duopoly' On Commercial Aircraft

Boeing Co. BA and Airbus Group may not need to worry just yet but a Chinese upstart is making progress on launching some competition. http://usa.chinadaily.com.cn/business/2015-03/11/content_19785258.htm Commercial Aircraft Corp. of China, also known as COMAC, expects its C919 commercial jet will take off for its maiden test flight later this year, according to China Daily, the government's main English language newspaper. The flight is roughly one year late, because of "a lack of experience among Chinese engineers and because of technical obstacles," according to the newspaper, often seen as a mouthpiece for government authorities. Already underway for seven years, the project is China's attempt to "break the Airbus and Boeing duopoly of major manufacturers," according to the report. The aircraft may pose competition for the Airbus 320, Boeing 737 and Irkut MS-21. It will carry up to 168 passengers and have a maximum flight range of about 3,000 miles.