They can do airframes but they are still far behind in avionics and engines. If the C919 ships in 2-3 years at all, it will be with CFM LEAP engines and American avionics. The problem for China is you cannot cut quality in aviation; there is no such thing as an affordable, lower quality product as there is in consumer products. We’re talking ca. 2030 for a competitive Chinese airliner.

The C919 is supposed to have its first deliveries next year.