As Boeing grapples with production delays and quality issues, China is seizing the opportunity to enter the competitive large jet airliner market, which has long been dominated by Boeing and Airbus. The Chinese government is backing its efforts with state-funded initiatives, aiming to break the longstanding duopoly and establish itself as a key player in global aviation.
Boeing, which saw a significant drop in commercial aircraft deliveries in 2024, has been struggling with various challenges. The company delivered just 348 units that year, a steep decline from 528 in 2023, and far behind Airbus, which delivered 766 aircraft. Several factors contributed to Boeing’s downturn, including heightened regulatory scrutiny, operational disruptions, and a seven-week machinists’ strike that further delayed production.
Moreover, a federal cap on the 737 MAX production following a safety issue involving a door plug failure shortly after takeoff added to Boeing’s troubles, leading to embarrassment and global scrutiny. These production setbacks have opened the door for China, which is using this time to accelerate its ambitions to compete in the large jet airliner sector. With support from the government and strategic investments, China plans to make its mark in an industry historically dominated by the likes of Boeing and Airbus, signaling a shift in the global aviation landscape.