Source: CCTV.com

05-12-2008 10:51

China's first commercial super-jumbo company has just been launched in Shanghai. It is widely seen as a step forward in the country's quest to build its own passenger aircraft.

Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Dejiang (L) and Shanghai Party Chief Yu Zhengsheng (R) unveil the plaque for China's first ever jumbo passenger aircraft company at the inauguration ceremony in Shanghai, east China, May 11, 2008. China's first ever jumbo passenger aircraft company, which was a major part of the nation's large jet program, was officially inaugurated in Shanghai on Sunday.(Xinhua Photo)
Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Dejiang (L) and Shanghai Party Chief
Yu Zhengsheng (R) unveil the plaque for China's first ever jumbo
passenger aircraft company at the inauguration ceremony in Shanghai,
east China, May 11, 2008. China's first ever jumbo passenger 
aircraft company, which was a major part of the nation's large
jet program, was officially inaugurated in Shanghai on Sunday.
(Xinhua Photo)

The China Commercial Aircraft Company Limited is a joint venture between the country's various aviation agencies, with total capital registration of 19 billion yuan.

The company will be responsible for developing, making and marketing the first made-in-China jumbo jet.

The State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission is the biggest share holder with an investment of 6 billion yuan. The second largest stake holder is a conglomerate between the Shanghai Municipal Government, Avic I and Avic II.

Jin Zhuanglong, General Manager China Commercial Aircraft Co., said, "One of the unique things about the China Commercial Aircraft Company is that our firm is a joint cooperation between the local government and non-aviation enterprises. While drawing on China's own resources, international cooperation will also be sought."

The new venture has not set out detailed timeframe yet, but it says its the primary target right now is to overcome technical barriers, and finally gain airworthiness approval from regulators.

Big planes refers to giant transport planes with an overall weight exceeding 100 tonns. These include planes used for civilian transport and commercial airlines with more than 150 passenger seats.

Currently, the US, 4 European countries and Russia are capable of manufacturing Big Planes. While Europe's Airbus and the US Boeing are the only 2 firms in the international market.

Song Yichang, aviation expert, said, "If we don't start R&D now, it will be quite difficult to keep up with the industry later. Because they keep upgrading and improving their engines and designs, and their fuel costs are also cheaper than us. "

Industry insiders say it's no surprise to see a country as large as China have ambitions to build its own large commercial jets.

China hopes to save billions of dollars by not buying foreign planes. Statistics show the country will need around 2400 jetliners in the next 20 years.

While R&D for a large jet usually requires 10 years, experts believe the country still has a chance to roll out its own jetliners by 2020, which means the country will still be able to cater to booming domestic air travel demand. And the technology development will also improve China's own aviation industrial growth and manufacturing capabilities.

 

Editor:Du Xiaodan