Comac's C919 Production Delays: Implications for China's Aerospace Supply Chain and Global Competitiveness

The COMAC C919, China's flagship narrow-body jet, has become a symbol of the country's ambition to disrupt the global aerospace industry. However, persistent production delays and supply chain vulnerabilities have exposed the fragility of its strategy to compete with Boeing and Airbus. For investors, the C919's struggles underscore the risks of overreliance on foreign technology in an era of escalating geopolitical tensions.

Supply Chain Bottlenecks and Geopolitical Tensions

The C919's reliance on Western components has proven to be a double-edged sword. While the aircraft's design incorporates advanced avionics, flight control systems, and fuel management technologies from U.S. and European suppliers, these dependencies have become a liability. In May 2025, the U.S. suspended export licenses for the CFM LEAP-1C engines, a critical component of the C919, citing trade tensions and China's restrictions on rare earth exportsUS Blocks Aircraft Engine Sales to China's COMAC Aircraft Maker^[1]. This move forced COMAC to slash its 2025 delivery targets from 75 to 25 aircraft, despite having secured over 1,000 orders from domestic airlinesChina’s Comac said to slash delivery targets for its C919 jet^[2].

Although the U.S. lifted the export ban in July 2025, allowing GE Aerospace to resume shipments of the LEAP-1C enginesUS lets GE restart jet engine shipments to China's COMAC, source says^[3], the damage was already done. As of mid-2025, COMAC had delivered only 18 C919s since 2023, far below its goal of 50 units annually by year-endCOMAC fails to increase C919 deliveries in 2025^[4]. The delays highlight a broader issue: China's aerospace industry remains deeply embedded in global supply chains that are increasingly politicized.

Domestic Alternatives: A Long-Term Solution?

COMAC's long-term plan to replace foreign engines with its domestically developed ACAE CJ-1000A has been delayed. While the Aero Engine Corporation of China (AECC) reported progress in March 2025, with flight tests conducted on a Y-20 test aircraftACAE CJ-1000A - Wikipedia^[5], the CJ-1000A is not expected to enter service before 2030U.S. Export Halt Leaves China’s C919 Airliner Without …^[6]. This timeline leaves the C919 reliant on foreign engines for at least another five years, a period during which U.S.-China trade dynamics could shift again.

The CJ-1000A's development also faces technical hurdles. Early projections for certification by 2027 have been pushed back, with AECC now targeting 2025–2026ACAE CJ-1000A - Wikipedia^[5]. Even if these deadlines are met, the engine must pass rigorous airworthiness tests and gain international certification—a process that could take years. For now, COMAC remains exposed to supply chain disruptions, as Western components account for up to 60% of the C919's valueUS Export Controls on COMAC Deliver Strategic Blow^[7].

Market Positioning and Global Competitiveness

The C919's struggles have significant implications for China's aerospace ambitions. While the aircraft has captured domestic demand—driven by state-backed airlines—its global competitiveness remains unproven. COMAC has yet to secure certification from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), a critical hurdle for international salesChina’s Comac said to slash delivery targets for its C919 jet^[2]. Without such approvals, the C919 is unlikely to challenge Boeing and Airbus in key markets like Europe or North America.

Moreover, the C919's cost structure is under pressure. The U.S. export restrictions forced COMAC to delay production, increasing per-unit costs and eroding its price advantage over the Boeing 737 MAX and Airbus A320neoUS Discontinues CFM LEAP-1C Engine Sales To COMAC^[8]. Analysts estimate that the C919's unit cost is 15–20% higher than initially projected, a gap that could widen if supply chain issues persistChina's COMAC Falls Behind on C919 Aircraft Delivery Targets^[9].

Strategic Implications for Investors

For investors, the C919's trajectory reflects a broader tension between China's push for technological self-reliance and its dependence on global supply chains. While COMAC's domestic engine program represents a strategic long-term play, its short-term viability hinges on geopolitical stability and the ability to navigate international regulatory frameworks.

The U.S. lifting of export restrictions in July 2025 offers a temporary reprieve, but the underlying risks remain. If trade tensions escalate again, COMAC could face renewed bottlenecks, further delaying its production ramp-up. Additionally, the CJ-1000A's delayed certification means the C919 will remain a hybrid product—partly foreign, partly domestic—for years to come.

In the narrow-body jet segment, where Boeing and Airbus dominate, COMAC's ability to scale production and secure international certifications will determine its success. Until the C919 achieves true self-sufficiency, its market positioning will remain precarious. For now, investors should approach COMAC's ambitions with cautious optimism, mindful of the geopolitical and technical headwinds that could reshape the industry.