China's AVIC steps up sales push for FC-1, J-10 fighters
quote:
DATE:30/09/09 SOURCE:Flight International
"While AVIC's main job is to manufacture aircraft, the company also fulfils a national agenda by producing military aircraft for China's political allies around the world," says a source close to Chengdu's state-owned parent company. "There are also countries that would like to buy a good fighter, but not at the cost of a Western fighter.
"While China's military aircraft have been exported for many years, this is the first time that there is a concerted effort to properly market them and establish a support network," the source adds.
Beijing could extend loans to purchasing countries and offer local assembly if there are sufficient orders, the source adds.
I predict they will still be stuck with the same old 'client state' customers from Africa and Asia...maybe pick up a couple from South America. These aircraft will not be able to compete on the open market with the clearance sale pricing for advanced F-16s, Gripens and Eurofighters.
