广播听力:Interview of Peter Harbinson on COMAC's Endeavor

Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China is spearheading China's bid to develop a globally competitive aerospace industry. At the Singapore air show, its C919 plane has made its debut to great acclaim and is scheduled to enter commercial service in 2016. It aims to sell over 2000 in 20 years.

Due to its similar size to the Air bus320 and the Boeing 737, the C919 may be able to capture a big portion of the domestic market, pushing A320 final assembly line in Tianjin into jeopardy. But what are the odds of the company securing orders from airlines outside of China and what kind of obstacles will it encounter?

Let's cross over live to Peter Harbison based in Sydney, who is the Executive Chairman of Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation and an expert in the field of aviation.


Goodmorning!

The launch of the C919 at the Singapore air show was fairly low key, given that this aircraft could potentially have a real impact on the aviation industry why do you think the Chinese decided to play down its importance?

Do you see the Chines planes as challenging the Airbus A320 and the Boeing 737?(www.hXen.com)

What kind of obstacles if any do you forsee for the Chinese?

Will there be a market outside of China for thr C919?

Scheduled to go into service by 2016 how realistic a dealine do you feel that is?