His name is Comac C919 and it is the latest commercial airliner. But its difference from other aircraft is already causing a stir. This is the first commercial aircraft to be produced by a Chinese aircraft manufacturer..
The C919 marks China's entry into a market dominated by the giants. Airbus and Boeing. Developed at the dawn of the 2010s, the aircraft is a medium-haul twin-engine jet with a capacity varying between 168 and 190 seats.
The first flight of a prototype took place on 5 May 2017, with certification finally obtained in September 2022. The first commercial flight will take place on 28 May between Shanghai Hongqiao and the international airport of Beijing Daxing on China Eastern. As of this Monday, China Eastern deploys the aircraft on regular routes between Shanghai and Chengdu in Sichuan.
With a capacity of less than 200 seats and a range of 5,000 km, the aircraft is in the same league as the A320 or Boeing. B737MAX or B737-800. According to a company official, Comac has reportedly received orders or purchase intentions for 1,200 aircraft. However, the Chinese aircraft manufacturer maintains that it can produce up to 150 units a year within 5 years.
Most of the future C919s will initially be used by Chinese airlines. But it's a safe bet that these aircraft will also be used by airlines in other countries. countries that are economically very dependent on China. Examples include Cambodia, North Korea, Laos, Mongolia and certain African countries. China will certainly be able to offer more attractive prices than its Western counterparts.
