Aviation

All news and posts of our editorial team on the topic

Boeing expects high demand from China
The CEO of US aircraft manufacturer Boeing, Dave Calhoun, is optimistic about new orders from China. Demand from the People’s Republic is picking up strongly after the end of Covid restrictions, Calhoun told Bloomberg TV. “They need airplanes. First and foremost, we’ve got to get the airplanes they already own back in the air.” Boeing […] continue reading →
Maritime tests for new aircraft carrier in 2023
China’s third aircraft carrier “Fujian” is scheduled to undergo its first maritime tests in 2023. “In the new year, we must take hold of all the work centered on the sea trials,” the carrier’s vice-captain Qian Shumin said in a video address released Tuesday. The ship, which launched in June 2022, is currently undergoing further […] continue reading →
First C919 delivered
The Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (Comac) delivered its first C919 jet in Shanghai on Friday. China Eastern Airlines received the short- and medium-haul passenger aircraft in a ceremony at Pudong International Airport. Among other things, the aircraft received its certificate and approval for commercial passenger operations. The aircraft then took off on a short […] continue reading →
Public leasing companies order hundreds of C919 aircraft
State-owned aircraft manufacturer Comac has reported sales success for its C919 medium-haul jet. At the Airshow China, 300 new orders for the passenger aircraft were received, state news agency Xinhua reported Wednesday. A closer look at the buyers, however, reveals that they are state-owned players: Seven Chinese leasing companies, including China Development Bank Leasing, ICBC […] continue reading →
The C919 relies on Western technology
The example of the C919 medium-haul aircraft shows how much China still depends on Western supplies. And because the aircraft's production depends on Western governments' goodwill, Beijing can only protect it poorly from competition from Airbus and Boeing, even on its own market. continue reading →
Delayed: C919 takes off
The first passenger aircraft developed entirely in China, Comac C919, will enter service in December. This is reported by the aviation portal Aerotelegraph. According to the report, China Eastern subsidiary OTT will take delivery of the aircraft in mid-December. Aircraft manufacturer Comac received type certification and thus permission to deliver the aircraft at the end […] continue reading →
Comac C919 receives certification
The C919 model of the state-owned Chinese aircraft manufacturer Comac (Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China) finally received approval from the Chinese Civil Aviation Authority. This means that nothing stands in the way of commercial use of the narrow-body aircraft intended for passenger traffic. The certification was sealed at a ceremony in Beijing late last week. […] continue reading →
Airbus outperforms Boeing
Airbus has received an order worth the equivalent of €4.9 million. The aircraft manufacturer will deliver 40 A320neo aircraft to Xiamen Air. Until now, Xiamen has operated only Boeing aircraft. The aircraft are to be delivered between 2023 and 2027, Bloomberg reports. Back in July, Airbus signed contracts for a sold aircraft of the same […] continue reading →
VW presents flying cab prototype
Volkswagen China has presented a flight-ready prototype of its V.MO air cab. The company calls it a product for future “urban air mobility,” which is intended to help solve China’s traffic problems. The device takes off and lands vertically like a helicopter. It is powered by batteries. There is space for four passengers. The company […] continue reading →
C919 completes final test flights
China’s first dedicated medium-range passenger jet is about to receive its certificate of airworthiness. The first six completed models of the Comac C919 have successfully completed their test flight program; all that remains is the evaluation of data and official certification by the authorities. It is not yet known when the certificates will be issued. […] continue reading →
China Southern Airlines orders Airbus jets
China Southern Airlines plans to order 96 Airbus A320neo jets. This is the largest order for new aircraft since the start of the Covid pandemic, which brought unprecedented slumps for the aircraft and travel industry. For Airbus itself, the delivery represents a remarkable boost on the Chinese market. According to China Southern Airlines, the order […] continue reading →
Rescue package for airline industry
The Covid crisis has also affected China's airline industry. It is now facing new challenges: High fuel costs, a weak yuan, and image problems following a plane crash are complicating the recovery. A government aid package is intended to provide relief. continue reading →
After years of waiting: C919 nears completion
The first passenger aircraft entirely developed in the People's Republic of China nears its completion. However, delays in test flights and a far higher price than planned have set back the Chinese hope. Nevertheless, the plane will become a serious global competitor for Airbus and Boeing. continue reading →
China’s airlines post heavy losses
Due to strict Covid entry restrictions, China’s aviation industry suffered heavy losses last year. The Chinese aviation regulator estimates the losses in 2021 at the equivalent of almost €12 billion (¥84 billion), according to a Bloomberg report. The losses were mainly attributable to international air traffic, which came to a near standstill. In contrast, domestic […] continue reading →
MU5735: evidence points to suicide
After two months of speculation, evidence is mounting that China Eastern Airlines flight MU5735 was intentionally crashed. The crash was the result of deliberate action by the pilot, the Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday, citing US crash investigators. The US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is currently working with China’s Civil Aviation Administration (CAAC) […] continue reading →
Boeing loses trust after 737 crash
US aircraft manufacturer Boeing has been struggling with problems in the People's Republic for some time because its new 737 Max is still not permitted to operate there. The crash of the 737-800 now makes matters even worse. continue reading →
Plane crash in Guangxi
Cause of crash unknown: A China Eastern airline Boeing crashed into a mountainous forest in Guangxi. Rescue teams have only found debris. The crash was unusually sudden: The plane dropped at full speed from the sky and hit the ground almost vertically. continue reading →
Airbus plans aircraft recycling
The European aircraft manufacturer Airbus plans the construction of a recycling plant for decommissioned aircraft in China. A framework agreement to this effect has been signed with the city of Chengdu, AFP reported, citing Airbus. The contract is expected to be signed by mid-2022, and the recycling plant could begin operations by the end of […] continue reading →