At a recent air show, Comac secured a milestone deal for its C929 widebody jet with Air China, marking the introduction of its third civilian aircraft. Comac also rebranded the ARJ21 as the C909, with plans for a larger fourth model. With ambitions to compete globally, Comac's aircraft lineup includes the C909, C919, upcoming C929, and envisioned C939, reflecting China's push for technological advancement and increased presence in the aviation sector.
At the recent air show, the state-owned Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (Comac) marked a significant milestone by securing a framework agreement for the sale of its first C929 widebody jet, a promising venture akin to the esteemed Airbus 350 or Boeing 787. This deal with flagship carrier Air China heralds a new era, introducing Comac's third civilian jet into the skies.
In a strategic move towards standardization, Comac has rebranded its ARJ21 small plane as the C909, aligning with the nomenclature of its passenger jet series. Looking ahead, Comac is ambitiously designing an even larger fourth aircraft type.
With a vision to bolster China's technological prowess and expand its global footprint, Comac is positioning itself to compete with industry giants like Airbus and Boeing, leveraging comparable specifications to attract international buyers.
The recent 15th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition, also known as the Zhuhai air show, provided insights into China's burgeoning aircraft lineup:
1. C909 Small Aircraft (formerly ARJ21):
- The C909 series, catering to short-haul flights within China, features turbofan aircraft with seating capacities ranging from 78 to 97 passengers.
- Launched in 2015, these planes have gained traction with over 150 units sold and more than 17 million passengers flown.
- Drawing parallels with models like the Boeing 717 and Embraer E190-E2, the C909 showcases Chinese ingenuity with collaboration from global suppliers.
2. C919 Narrowbody Aircraft:
- Offering seating for 158 to 192 passengers, the C919 series boasts a range of 4,075 to 5,555km, positioned to compete with Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 models.
- With significant orders from domestic carriers and interest from international operators like Total Linhas Aereas, the C919 is set to make a mark in the commercial aviation market.
3. C929 Widebody Aircraft:
- The upcoming C929 widebody aircraft, designed for long-haul routes, aims to accommodate 280 to 290 passengers with an impressive range of up to 12,000km.
- Anticipated to rival the Airbus A350 and Boeing 787 families, the C929 signifies China's commitment to technological advancement in aviation.
4. C939 Jumbo Aircraft
- Envisioned as a widebody twinjet with a seating capacity of 400 and a range of 13,000km, the C939 represents China's ambition for a larger-scale commercial aircraft akin to the Boeing 777.
- While still in the preliminary design phase, the C939 reflects China's aspirations in the aviation sector, potentially addressing future demands for long-haul travel.
As Comac continues to innovate and expand its aircraft portfolio, these developments underscore China's growing influence in the global aviation industry, promising exciting prospects for the future of air travel.
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