China's Airplane Maker Gets a Big Boost from the US
China's aircraft manufacturer, COMAC, has received a significant boost as the US has allowed GE Aerospace to resume sending jet engines to them. This development is crucial for COMAC's plans to compete with global giants Boeing and Airbus.
A Critical Resumption
The engines are essential for COMAC's planes, the C919 and the smaller C909. The US had halted engine shipments earlier this year, causing significant delays for COMAC. Without engines, the company couldn't meet its production targets, despite plans to increase output.
With the resumption of shipments, COMAC can now get back on track and work towards its ambitious goals.
Ambitious Production Plans
COMAC aims to produce 75 planes a year and even more in the future. However, the company still relies heavily on foreign suppliers for many parts. China is actively working on developing its own engines, a project that has faced multiple delays but is reportedly making progress.
Uncertainty Remains
The US had also restricted other companies from sending parts to COMAC. It remains unclear whether those restrictions have been lifted. Nevertheless, the resumption of engine shipments is a major win for COMAC, helping it meet production goals and compete on a global scale.