Airbus Sees Comac As Threat

European manufacturer Airbus has described the emergence of fellow planemaker COMAC as something it needs to be watchful of.

Over recent years, COMAC has aimed to launch compelling aircraft types that would be an alternative to Airbus and Boeing-made planes.

Thus far, COMAC has received interest from primarily state-owned Chinese operators, who have brought in the bulk of orders.

Unfortunately, despite its ambition, COMAC has been unable to project its portfolio of aircraft outside of China successfully.

Despite these unsuccessful attempts, Airbus has remained watchful over the manufacturer’s developments.

This approach sees Airbus view COAMC as a competitor today in 2024 rather than one in the future, and as a result, AIrbus is treating them as one.

Such intense focus from Airbus comes because, despite COMAC’s inability to stretch its legs outside of China and other neighbouring locations, significant demand remains in this region.

Airbus is aware that, as a result of this demand, there is ample opportunity for companies like COMAC to steal even a small amount of market share that could be valuable to Airbus.

The longevity of COMAC has been examined by analysts close to the industry. These analysts believe the product COMAC is putting out simply isn’t going to differentiate itself from the competition.

Furthermore, these same people believe that other than orders from predominantly state-owned Chinese companies, these planes being produced aren’t favourable elsewhere.

As cited by several analysts and even executives at Airbus from COMAC, this lack of value gives the esteemed planemaker the upper hand at securing commitments, knowing its reliability will shine through.

American planemaker Boeing’s response to COMAC has been similar. However, arguably, their approach has factored in political tensions that have meant growing a presence in China over the last half-decade has been challenging.

COMAC joins other manufacturers’ view of attempting to break the ongoing duopoly held by Airbus and Boeig over the commercial aviation sector.

Brazilian planemaker Embraer has been most vocal about seeking a solution and has succeeded with its E2, but actually breaking this duopoly for every other company has proven difficult.