| By Xuan Zhong |
China’s first domestically designed and manufactured civil airliner, the C919, along with the ARJ21 regional jet, will visit Hong Kong from December 12th to 17th. This is the first time the C919 has visited outside mainland China.
As international relations have deteriorated and trade protectionism has been on the rise, the Chinese government, aware of its aviation industry’s extreme dependence on overseas companies, is attempting to develop its domestic aircraft manufacturing capabilities. Aircraft manufacturing is characterized by high value-added and huge profit potential, making civil aviation manufacturing an important and lucrative market in China and abroad. In addition, its importance for transportation is one of the reasons why the Chinese government is eager to develop its own reliable aircraft manufacturing capabilities.
The visit of C919 and ARJ21 to Hong Kong has multiple significances. First of all, it can be regarded as the Chinese government’s gratitude and reward to Hong Kong’s aerospace practitioners. It is reported that the Hong Kong Civil Aviation Department has participated in the development of the C919 since 2012. At the same time, the fact that the first domestically produced airliner is visiting Hong Kong underscores that the Chinese government intends to show unity between Hong Kong and the mainland. As a key international transportation hub, Hong Kong is a window for China to engage with the outside. The C919 can also be seen as the Chinese government’s first step in bringing the C919 to the world and opening up the international market.
Photo Credit: SimpleFlying