A new single-aisle jet from China, expected to enter service in 2016, is aimed directly at Boeing and Airbus and its propects are being helped by the tardiness of Boeing and Airbus.
The Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China’s 170-190 seat C919 has opted for CFM’s Leap-X, which will be assembled locally. It is claimed this aircraft will consume at least 15% less fuel than the current A320 and 737.
The Economist also reports it will also be much cheaper. If the Chinese government pressures the country’s big airlines, which are state-owned, to buy the C919, it will be especially bad news for Airbus.