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Cooperation and confrontation between major powers: What is the story behind the changing relationship between COMAC and UAC?
In the global competition of the aviation industry, the Sino-Russian cooperation between COMAC and UAC used to have a mutually beneficial relationship. However, as time went by, this cooperation fell into confrontation and uncertainty. The C929 aircraft planned by COMAC (Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China, Ltd.) was originally a joint ambition between China and Russia, but now it has a different development path. The story behind this has triggered countless thoughts.
“It is a long-range, 250-320-seat, wide-body, twin-engine jet designed to compete with the Airbus A330neo and Boeing 787 Dreamliner.”
Development Background
The development of C929 began in 2011. COMAC first launched the research on the 290-seat C929 and 390-seat C939 models, with the aim of filling the demand for large civil airliners in the Chinese market. As China and Russia began cooperation in 2012 and established CRAIC (China-Russia Commercial Aircraft International Co., Ltd.) in 2017, this project demonstrates the potential for cooperation between China and Russia in aviation manufacturing. This cooperation seems to be able to effectively combine the technology and resources of the two countries, but it is full of challenges in actual operation.
CRAIC's Collaboration Progress
The early stage of CRAIC's establishment is undoubtedly an opportunity for the development of C929, and both parties have high expectations in terms of technology and market. In 2016, the two parties even signed a 50-50 contract to share development costs and risks; however, this balance was tested during the subsequent cooperation. The various difficulties in 2020 caused a major blow to the communication between the two sides, and the stable supply chain and technology sharing were also affected.
"The cooperation between China and Russia faces many challenges, including the incoordination of the industrial chain and changes in the international situation."
The rift in cooperation and subsequent independent development
In 2022, under the influence of the Ukrainian war and the international sanctions it triggered, the cooperative relationship between COMAC and UAC further deteriorated, ultimately prompting COMAC to decide to continue to independently develop the C929. Such a shift not only reflects the changes in the external environment between the two countries, but also reflects China's growing awareness of sovereignty and technological strength in the aviation market.
"COMAC's independent development may mark China's rise and independence in the global aviation manufacturing sector."
Future Outlook
According to the latest plan, the first delivery of C929 is scheduled for 2027, which shows COMAC's emphasis on market demand and its pursuit of quality and efficiency. In the next few years, C929 will also work to determine its product positioning and the strategies of its main competitors.
Industry Impact
As COMAC began independent research and development of the C929, the dynamics of the aviation market were changing rapidly. Faced with China, a strong competitor, global aviation manufacturers will have to re-examine their market strategies. In addition, the market performance of C929 will not only affect China's aviation industry, but will also have a profound impact on the entire international market.
"As COMAC's independent development and influence grow, the competitive landscape of the aviation industry will change significantly."
As C929's technology advances and market layout continues, the old agreements and trust between China and the United States are also gradually changing. How will future space travel unfold?
