Radiall and COMAC C919

In December last year, COMAC delivered the first medium-range passenger aircraft C919 to China Eastern Airlines. In May this year, C919 successfully started commercial flights by China Eastern Airlines. This is a series of huge successes for an aircraft manufacturer committed to realizing China's great dream.

The potential of the Chinese market

Commercial Aircraft Corporation (COMAC) was born 15 years ago. Two industry giants, Boeing and Airbus, have been vying for dominance for decades, so it would be crazy for a new company to enter the industry. However, there is a set of data that cannot be ignored: It is expected that by 2040, the total number of Chinese airlines' aircraft will reach nearly 10,000, accounting for 22% of the world's total aircraft. By then, China will become the world's largest aviation aircraft market... .The establishment of a Chinese company focusing on aircraft manufacturing can meet the needs of China's three major airlines for aircraft. The potential of the Chinese market can also ensure the healthy growth of new members of this big family. Therefore, COMAC relies on the AR21 and C919 aircraft to achieve development and occupy the Chinese market. The new C929 long-range wide-body passenger aircraft is also under development, and the future is promising.

Capacity challenges

In order to fulfill orders, the main challenge faced by COMAC is to achieve rapid growth. The design, manufacturing and certification of an aircraft all take several years to complete. It is not easy for a newly established company to gain a foothold in such a complex market. Not only that, it takes time for development teams to gain experience and time for production operators to improve their technical capabilities.

Radiall’s Supplier Status

In its first contact with COMAC in 2013, Radiall successfully squeezed into the ranks of suppliers relying on its EPX and NSX products, but they only accounted for a very small proportion of the connectors used in aircraft. Sandy Li, senior business development manager at Radiall, said: “At the beginning, COMAC did not immediately realize the advantages provided by Radiall products, including their high density and light weight, which can help airlines improve fuel economy. Through the continuous support of the team and technical exchanges between the two companies, the two companies have established mutual trust. "Because they are satisfied with the quality, performance and reliable delivery capabilities of the products, COMAC has decided to invest more and more in its aircraft manufacturing projects. Use solutions provided by Radiall such as MM, HDQX and RF connectors. Today, Radiall has become a very important connector supplier to COMAC.

Radiall's Shanghai factory is eagerly looking forward to the mass production of the C919. To this end, the Shanghai team is preparing to install a new production line. To remain a preferred supplier, Radiall should truly meet customer needs by producing tailor-made accessories locally. Therefore, the Château-Renault factory in France and the Shanghai factory will complete a technology transfer within the year so that the latter can directly provide connector products for COMAC. The take-off of cooperation is within reach!