Aviation

Air China to Launch COMAC’s C929 in a Bid to Rival Boeing and Airbus

COMAC Unveils Plans for the C929 to Rival Airbus and Boeing

China’s ambitions to compete with the world’s leading widebody aircraft manufacturers took a major step forward this week.

At the 15th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition in Zhuhai, state-owned Commercial Aircraft Corp. of China Ltd. (COMAC) announced a significant milestone with over 100 new aircraft orders.

This included a high-profile agreement with Air China for the development and future launch of the C929—a jet seen as a potential competitor to popular widebodies like the Airbus A350 and Boeing 777.

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The C929 project, previously known as the CR929, was initially developed as part of a joint venture between China and Russia. However, due to the breakdown of that partnership following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, comac has continued the project independently.

Now in its preliminary design phase, the C929 is expected to accommodate around 280 passengers and cover a range of up to 12,000 kilometers, aligning with the demands of long-haul routes.

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Although COMAC has not provided a specific timeline for the comac c929’s entry into service, reports suggest that work on the prototype is already underway, and a COMAC supplier anticipates delivering the first fuselage section by 2027.

While details on the exact number of aircraft in Air China’s order are yet to be disclosed, the commitment signals China’s determination to expand its influence in the aviation sector.

With the C929, COMAC aims to challenge Boeing and Airbus’s dominance in the widebody market, providing airlines with a new, homegrown option for international and regional routes.

Aviation

Why Embraer’s E175-E2 Faces Challenges in the U.S. Market

Embraer, a renowned Brazilian aircraft manufacturer, has a strong reputation for building regional jets that connect smaller cities worldwide.

While its aircraft are widely used in various countries, the United States imposes restrictions on certain Embraer models, particularly the E175-E2. In this article, we’ll explore why this aircraft is blocked from entering the U.S. market.

The Embraer E175 vs. E175-E2

The E175 is allowed in the U.S. and is a popular choice for regional airlines operating short-haul routes.
The E175-E2, a more advanced and fuel-efficient version, faces restrictions due to scope clauses.

1. Scope Clause Restrictions

Scope clauses are agreements between major U.S. airlines and pilot unions that limit the size and weight of aircraft used by regional carriers.

These clauses cap the maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) at 86,000 pounds.
The E175-E2 exceeds this limit with an MTOW of 98,120 pounds (44,600 kg), making it ineligible for regional operations.

2. Fleet Compatibility

U.S. regional carriers typically operate under agreements that favor aircraft compliant with scope clauses.

The original E175 meets these criteria, making it easier to integrate into existing fleets.
The E175-E2, despite its improved efficiency and longer range, is considered incompatible with current contracts.
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3. Market Dynamics

Modifying scope clauses would require complex negotiations between airlines and pilot unions, a process that can be time-consuming and contentious.

Major airlines have shown little interest in pushing for these changes, especially with other compliant aircraft available.
The lack of demand has led Embraer to suspend the development of the E175-E2 in February 2022.

Similar Challenges Faced by Competitors

Embraer isn’t the only manufacturer affected by scope clauses.

Mitsubishi’s SpaceJet program was similarly halted in 2023 due to the same restrictions.
Larger regional aircraft like the E190-E2 (MTOW: 124,340 lbs) are also excluded from regional contracts, further limiting options.
In the U.S., airline and pilot union agreements restrict regional carriers to aircraft with a maximum of 76 seats or a maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) of 86,000 pounds (39,000 kg).
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The Embraer E175-E2, however, exceeds these limits, offering seating for up to 90 passengers in a single-class layout and an MTOW of 98,120 pounds (44,600 kg).
Due to these restrictions, Embraer suspended the E175-E2 program in February 2022, citing scope clause limitations as the primary reason for pausing development.

The Decline of Small Regional Jets

The U.S. market is shifting away from smaller, 50-seat regional jets.

In 2019, there were 660 active 50-seat regional jets.
By November 2024, this number had dropped to 260, creating a gap in the regional aviation market that remains unfilled.

Impact on U.S. Aviation

The inability to introduce newer, more efficient regional jets like the E175-E2 is impacting both airlines and manufacturers:

U.S. airlines must adjust flight routes and seating configurations to accommodate older aircraft models.
Boeing, a domestic competitor, also faces challenges as demand shifts towards larger aircraft, reducing regional jet sales.

Conclusion

While the E175-E2 is permitted and operational in many countries, it remains blocked in the U.S. due to regulatory limitations. This situation highlights the pressures faced by domestic manufacturers and airlines as they struggle to balance efficiency, regulations, and market demands.

What do you think about these restrictions? Should the U.S. update its scope clauses to allow more advanced regional aircraft? Share your thoughts in the comments!