ExplainerFrom nose to tail, how China is reshaping the aviation supply chain
Recent achievements show Beijing’s efforts to localise the components of its planes have not abated in the wake of the C919’s success
While its home-grown airliners bring China the most attention in the complex, lucrative field of aviation, the country is also making strides in an equally important realm: the many components necessary to ensure the safe, smooth operation of jets and other aircraft.
Recent developments in a number of areas show Beijing is continuing to reduce its reliance on foreign parts, close long-standing technological gaps and assert itself as a major player in civil aviation at all levels of the supply chain. We have gathered some of them below.
CJ-1000A engine whirring along
During an interview on state broadcaster CCTV, Zhang Yanzhong of the Chinese Academy of Engineering offered a rare public update on one of the country’s most closely watched aviation projects: the CJ-1000A, a domestically produced large commercial jet engine.
“All I can say is that our engine is progressing as planned, and the current progress is very positive. As for when it will be installed on Chinese aircraft – just wait for the good news,” he told CCTV.
The Aero Engine Corporation of China (AECC), the CJ-1000A’s developer, has said their product will perform on par with CFM International’s LEAP-1C engine, currently installed in C919 models flying commercial routes. A successful roll-out of the Chinese company’s engine would represent a major leap forward in the country’s campaign for aviation self-sufficiency.
Hydraulic fluid gets the green light
The certification paves the way for its use in civil aviation, and makes China the third country in the world capable of producing this specialised class of phosphate ester-based hydraulic fluid, critical for aircraft safety and performance.