In fact, their first product, the A300, was a technological milestone, and sold 561 after initial difficulties. The A310 had more industry firsts. The next product, the A320, was again a technological milestone. That was 16 years after the A300 release and indeed about 20 years after the start of the program - but by no means the first good product from Airbus.
Back to topic, Comac is not starting with a bang like Airbus did - but they don't have to. Same quality, slightly different, slightly cheaper could work after reaching governement-aided critical mass. Such government aid got Airbus started and notably did not cripple it.
Back to topic, Comac is not starting with a bang like Airbus did - but they don't have to. Same quality, slightly different, slightly cheaper could work after reaching governement-aided critical mass. Such government aid got Airbus started and notably did not cripple it.