Chapter 1573 The Decision in the Airplane Cabin

After an intuitive technical demonstration, the symposium finally officially began in this unique "sky conference room".

Because time was tight, Luan Wenjie, who chaired the meeting, got straight to the point:

"You are all top experts and decision-makers in the aviation field, so I won't say any more polite words. One of the important topics I invited you to come here today is the latest situation of the mutual recognition of airworthiness negotiations in Europe and the choices we face."

Many people were still immersed in the technical topic they had just discussed, and only came back to their senses after hearing these words.

"…The message sent back from the front is very clear. There is a serious split within the EU, which makes it very likely that the negotiation process, especially the signing of the final agreement, will not be completed in the short term…"

After a brief opening, Luan Wenjie began to report the complex situation encountered by Lan Xinzhi's delegation in Brussels and his initial assessment:

"This agreement is directly tied to the entry into force of the mutual recognition between CAAC and EASA, which means that the EASA airworthiness certificate of our AE1500 engine, and more importantly, the 'pass' for future domestic civil aircraft to enter the international market, are forced to be delayed..."

After hearing this, Chang Haonan was also a little surprised.

Of course he knew that the members of the EU had their own ulterior motives, but from what Luan Wenjie said, it seemed that even the most superficial unity could no longer be maintained.

So he took advantage of the other party's pause to confirm: "Have you confirmed that the differences within the other party... cannot be bridged?"

Luan Wenjie put down the speech in his hand and sighed:

"On the first night that Comrade Xinzhi arrived in Brussels, representatives from nearly 20 EU countries asked him to meet. Their positions were completely different."

For a moment, Chang Haonan didn't even know what to say.

After a few seconds of silence, Luan Wenjie continued:

"Representatives of various countries only showed some sincerity in private. In the following days, our overall negotiations with the EU could not advance at all. Instead, the bilateral talks conducted separately made some progress."

"..."

More than one person sighed or sneered.

Obviously, after the regional alliance of countries has come to this point, all that is left is basically waiting for a slow death.

"In short, time waits for no one, and the market waits for no one either."

Luan Wenjie glanced at everyone present:

"The front-line team has given a pessimistic forecast. I invited everyone here today to brainstorm and discuss how our C919 project and related industrial layout should respond to this passive situation? Should we continue to wait for the agreement to be implemented, or... look for another way?"

As soon as Luan Wenjie finished speaking, Wu Hui, the chief designer of the C919 project, spoke up immediately, his tone revealing a bit of anxiety:

"Leaders, we have invested tremendous energy in the C919 project since the pre-research stage, with the goal of creating an aircraft that fully complies with the latest international airworthiness standards from the very beginning and has global competitiveness. To this end, we even moved some tasks that should have been in the engineering development stage to the pre-research stage to save time so that we can move forward at full speed once the agreement is reached."

"But the funding for the project is always tied to the formal approval of the project. Without the approval of the project, the large amount of research and development funds cannot be put in place as planned. Every day of delay is consuming the technical advantages we have accumulated in the early stage and the time window for seizing the market. Many of the technological advantages we have carefully designed may lose their advantages due to the catch-up of competitors..."

He did not express his attitude directly.

But the implication is very clear - the risks and costs of continuing to wait are too great, and the project may not be able to bear it.

But as the helmsman of the company, Jin Zhuanglong has different considerations.

So he continued, "I understand Lao Wu's concerns very well. Time is indeed the lifeline... But if we don't wait for the agreement and force the project to move forward now, there will be several key problems."

He looked at Chang Haonan and Luan Wenjie: "First of all, it is a matter of market promotion and customer confidence. The message we have been conveying to potential customers is that the C919 will be the first aircraft designed entirely in accordance with the new China-EU mutual recognition standards, which in itself is a huge selling point and quality endorsement."

"If we launch the campaign before the agreement is finalized, this core promotional point will lose its support and may even cause customers to doubt whether the aircraft standards are truly 'internationally compatible'. In the commercial aviation market, first impressions and trust building are extremely important."

"Secondly, and most importantly," Jin Zhuanglong said in a more serious tone, "the issue of the airworthiness certification path. If we do not wait for EASA's mutual recognition agreement, it means that after the C919 completes CAAC airworthiness certification in China, it still needs to apply for a type certificate from EASA separately. This process may even take longer than the negotiation of the mutual recognition agreement, and in the end both ends will lose money."

His concerns are obviously justified.

The signing of the agreement will not be retroactive.

If C919 obtains the CAAC's airworthiness certificate first, and the two sides reach a mutual recognition agreement the next day, then Shanghai Aircraft Industry Group will become a top clown.

Have to go through the whole process again.

Everyone's eyes were simultaneously cast on Chang Haonan who was listening calmly.

He represents technical authority and also has a deep understanding of international rules.

Chang Haonan felt everyone's gaze and sat up straight. "Mr. Wu's concerns about the time window and Mr. Jin's concerns about market trust and approval path are both very realistic and to the point. However, based on the current situation, I believe that the C919 project can and should be officially launched immediately."

As soon as these words were spoken, a glimmer of hope flashed in Wu Hui's eyes, but Jin Zhuanglong still looked inquiring.

Chang Haonan continued:

"In fact, all the core contents of the mutual recognition of airworthiness between CAAC and EASA, such as technical clauses, certification procedure details, and division of responsibilities between the two parties, have been negotiated and agreed upon. What is stuck now is the final legal wording review and signing process of the agreement text, which is a purely procedural and political delay and has no conflict or obstacle with the technical standards on which the C919 aircraft design is based."

"That is to say, we are now designing and manufacturing the C919 in accordance with the new mutual recognition standards that have been agreed upon by both sides and will inevitably take effect in the future. There is absolutely no problem with technical compliance. We have not lowered the standards. We are implementing the future international standards."

He paused, glanced at everyone, and tapped the small table in front of him to emphasize: "Also, about the heart of C919, the AE1500 engine."

Jin Zhuanglong's eyes dimmed for a moment, but then he nodded, and did not choose to contradict Chang Haonan:

"AE1500 is indeed our current advantage... Its key indicators such as thrust, life, fuel consumption, and noise control have achieved a qualitative leap compared to the current generation of CFM56 and V2500 engines. Combined with our specially designed new airfoil, it can reduce fuel consumption to an incomprehensible level..."

"But if we wait until PW1200 or even LEAP are installed... at least the sensation will be greatly reduced."

Chang Haonan put down the teacup and waved his hand:

"It's not just a question of economic efficiency... The AE1500 uses a lot of new technologies, many of which are the foundation for the next generation of engines... or the front end, so I need to get full and detailed flight parameters as soon as possible. Although the A320neo will also use the AE1500, it is not our own aircraft after all, so this aspect is not very convenient."

Wu Hui was shocked.

The joy of being affirmed by the boss was almost completely replaced by shock.

AE1500 is already the leader among products of the same period, but Chang Haonan has actually started to consider upgrading?

Of course, Chang Haonan couldn't catch the change in Wu Hui's expression behind him, and just gave his opinion firmly:

"In summary: technical standards are no longer a problem, engine performance advantages need a window of time to be transformed into market advantages, and competitors are pressing on. Under such circumstances, immediately launching the project and pushing forward the development and airworthiness certification of the C919 at full speed is the choice that best meets our core interests."

"As for EASA's type certificate..." He lowered his head and thought for a moment, "It can be included as one of the intermediate conditions in the negotiation process."

"At worst, both sides can collect evidence simultaneously!"