China's new regional aircraft a hard sell

[Quest]

From Asia Times Online: http://www.atimes.com/atimes/China/FI01Ad02.html

Boeing or Airbus? now enters the new Chinese competitor, and again for a much lower price, and a superior design.

"On paper at least, the ARJ21 handsomely outperforms its competitors by using shorter runways at higher altitudes, flying further while offering a roomier cabin and more space between seats. "

With time the Chinese competitor may very well gain the experience it needs to challenge Boeing and Airbus for the passenger plane market.

[Jack MacKelly]

China Southern Airlines 中国南方航空 has signed with Airbus for the purchase of 5 Airbus A380-800 ( the Superjumbo ) aircraft for delivery in time for the 2008 Olympics. It is the first commitment for the type from a Chinese carrier. Airbus A380 super-jumbo, the world's largest passenger jet with 555 seats and as tall as a seven-floor building - upon the arrival of the 2008 Olympic Games, China has a demand for passenger jets of such a capacity, said Bo Long, president of Airbus China. Some large foreign airline companies, optimistic about the Chinese market, have planned to deploy the A380 in China. At present, major airports such as the Hong Kong International Airport, Guangzhou's New Baiyun International Airport and Shanghai's Pudong Airport already have the capacity to accommodate the world's largest passenger jet.

[shibo77]

The ARJ-700 has only about 50 seats and the ARJ-900 has about 100 seats, and they are not yet developped, so I think it will take some time before they can compete with Boeing and Airbus. They look a little like huge private jets at the moment.

-Shìbó