Comac wants to rival Airbus and Boeing. But there is a problem with timing and engines. China Aviation Industry (AVIC) – also state-owned and a key Comac supplier – wanted to provide engines, but concedes that no Chinese powerplant will be ready for service by 2016. Now AVIC’s Xian Aircraft division wants to buy 91.25% of Austria’s Fischer Advanced Composite Components (FACC) – a $393 million turnover company supplying customers including Airbus, Boeing, Bombardier, Embraer and Gulfstream.
(Our illustration shows one of the interiors constructed by FACC.)
At the same time, AVIC General Aircraft says it wants to buy a general aviation aircraft in the West that can fast-track its development.
Ecademy states the acquisition would also give AVIC General Aircraft an established brand name, customer base, support network and sales and distribution channels. It has yet to happen but negotiations are progressing.