China’s C919 jet poised to tackle ageing domestic fleet: industry official

AI Summary

China’s aviation industry faces an ageing domestic fleet with slower aircraft replacements since 2019. Industry officials highlight the potential of the home-grown C919 jet to modernize the fleet and reduce operating costs for Chinese airlines.

China’s massive civil aviation fleet is ageing faster than planes are being replaced, threatening to saddle airlines with higher costs, but orders for home-grown C919 jets could help stem the tide, according to the head of north Asia for the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Current aircraft replacements are failing to reach 2019 levels despite recent orders of Airbus and Boeing jets, IATA regional vice-president Xie Xingquan said at the industry group’s annual general meeting in...