China to build its own big planes
CHINA'S plan to design and build airplanes that can carry more than 150
passengers and compete with Airbus and Boeing has been given the green
light by the State Council, the country's Cabinet, sources close to the
project said yesterday.
The State Council's Executive Committee approved in principle the plan to begin work on the new aircraft as soon as possible.
The
effort to create its own large aircraft is one of the priorities in
China's long-term scientific and technological development strategy.
After
more than five decades of growth, China's aviation industry is ready to
develop larger airplanes, officials said. The program will enhance
China's overall international competitiveness and help transform the
nation's pattern of economic growth.
The committee pointed out
that building bigger planes is a complicated effort and that those who
implement the program should be fully aware of the difficulties and
risks.
The program should carry out the "glorious, historic
mission with relentless determination, a strong will and with
unremitting efforts," according to the committee.
The committee
said it requires the program to achieve high standards of reliability,
security and cost-effectiveness to sharpen the new aircraft's
competitive edge in international markets.
While mainly relying on China's own resources and efforts, international cooperation will also be sought. China
has already built its own regional jet. The maiden flight of the ARJ,
which will carry 78 to 105 passengers, is scheduled for next March.
Seventy orders for the ARJ have already been placed.
Source: Shanghai Daily