Chinese aircraft manufacturer COMAC (Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China, Ltd.) has announced significant new orders at the 15th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition, also known as Airshow China, held in Zhuhai City, Guangdong Province.
On the first day of the event, COMAC secured orders for 130 aircraft, including its newly rebranded regional jet, the C909. Formerly known as the ARJ21, the C909 aligns with COMAC’s naming convention, joining its siblings, the C919 and the in-development C929.
The C909 is designed to seat 78 to 97 passengers and boasts a flight range of 2,225 to 3,700 kilometers. Its capabilities make it ideal for route networks based on regional or secondary hub airports, providing essential capacity support to major hubs. With excellent takeoff and landing performance on short and narrow runways, the C909 is well-suited for diverse environments, including high-altitude regions and areas with extreme temperatures. This adaptability makes it a strong candidate for operations in China’s border regions, Southeast Asia, Africa, and other international markets.
COMAC’s narrowbody jet, the C919, which seats between 158 and 192 passengers and has a range of 4,075 to 5,555 kilometers, received certification from Chinese civil aviation authorities in 2022. Since then, seven C919 aircraft have been delivered to its first global operator, China Eastern Airlines, and began commercial operations in May 2023. The manufacturer believes that the C919 plays a crucial role in advancing China’s high-end manufacturing sector.
In a significant boost to COMAC’s order book, Hainan Airlines placed firm orders for 60 C919 narrowbody jets and 40 C909 regional jets. Additionally, Colorful Guizhou Airlines signed a purchase agreement for 30 C909 planes, including 20 firm orders and 10 provisional ones.
Looking ahead, COMAC’s deputy director of marketing, Liu Yan, revealed that Air China intends to become the first customer for the upcoming C929 widebody aircraft. Currently under development, the C929 is expected to seat between 280 and 400 passengers and have a range of 12,000 kilometers.
Airshow China serves as a significant platform for aerospace companies to showcase their latest technologies and products. COMAC’s success at the event underscores China’s growing presence in the global aviation industry.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
