China’s passenger aircraft C919, developed by the state-owned company COMAC, is facing serious challenges due to its dependence on Western technology. Despite entering mass production and having over 1,000 orders, the C919 is equipped with LEAP-1C engines developed by CFM International—a joint venture between the U.S.-based GE Aviation and France’s Safran Aircraft Engines. In addition, key components come from U.S. suppliers such as Honeywell and Collins Aerospace, reports the Baltimore Chronicle, citing Financial Times.
With tensions rising between the U.S. and China, American lawmakers are now considering imposing sanctions on Chinese aerospace companies, including COMAC and AVIC, due to their alleged ties to China’s military structures. If enacted, these sanctions could cut off Chinese manufacturers from access to crucial Western technologies, significantly complicating or even halting the production of the C919.
European carriers, including Ryanair, have expressed interest in the C919 as an alternative to Boeing and Airbus aircraft. However, the lack of international certification and looming sanctions may prevent the Chinese jet from gaining access to the global market.
As a result, the future of the C919 remains uncertain. Geopolitical tensions and a strong dependence on foreign technology pose serious obstacles to China’s broader ambitions in the aviation sector.
Earlier we wrote that U.S. economy shrinks 0.3% amid Trump tariff surge.