US Buys China's C919 Jumbo Jets

I was fortunate to come across this news, even though it is hardly reported in the mainstream press! Capital Aviation Services, a subsidiary of General Electric of the United States, have signed an order for twenty C919 large passenger aircraft from China – for a total value of $2.2 billion! 

 

Sure, it’s an itsy-bitsy sale but it is nonetheless, an encouraging start to penetrate the international market. 

 

The C919 is China's first domestically-built large passenger aircraft. Under development since 2008, the jumbo jet made its first test flight in May 2017 with six prototype airplanes operating in different regions across China. The plane completed its final test flights before commercial delivery in December 2022. 

 

FYI, the C919 targets the same market as the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737, the two best-selling commercial aircraft. And a January 13, 2023 report by CGTN said that over 1,200 planes are on COMAC's order books. Mostly from domestic airlines and/or leasing firms. 

 

This acquisition from the Americans made two weeks ago is a strong testament to the capability and caliber of the C919 and represents a vote of confidence in China’s aviation sector. 

 

I reckon the C919 is a worthy rival to both Airbus and Boeing – granted, it will take a period of time before COMAC conquer the world. I've no doubt they will.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The art-and-advertising collective MSCHF has brought a portmanteau to the next level by making Birkenstock-style sandals from deconstructed Hermès Birkin handbags. 

 

Except for some finishing details like golden buckles and stamped branding, the resulting "Birkinstocks" look much like traditional Birkenstocks. 

 

But, of course, these are no ordinary Birkenstocks, as they are handcrafted from luxury leather from bags that normally retail for tens of thousands of dollars. 

 

As an unofficial 2021 collaboration with Hermès, the bespoke sandals were priced between $34,000 and $76,000 per pair (!!). They were part of a limited release through MSCHF's app (Android, Apple) and, according to the Birkinstock website, are sold out.