COMAC C919
A significant milestone in Chinese aviation history was achieved on Wednesday as two of China’s leading airlines, Air China and China Southern Airlines, welcomed their first COMAC C919 aircraft.
This dual delivery marks a pivotal moment for the country’s aerospace industry, as all three major Chinese carriers now operate domestically built passenger jets.
The dual delivery ceremony at the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) Final Assembly and Manufacturing Center in Shanghai was followed by a triumphant arrival of the C919s at their respective home bases.
Air China’s aircraft landed at Beijing International Airport, while China Southern’s touched down at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport. Both were greeted with traditional water cannon salutes.
A Significant Step Forward for China’s Aviation Industry
This event follows an agreement signed between China Southern and COMAC in April to purchase 100 C919 aircraft. The deliveries are scheduled to continue in batches through 2031, solidifying the C919’s position as a cornerstone of China’s civil aviation fleet.
Currently, seven C919 aircraft are in service with China Eastern Airlines. This number is expected to increase to nine in the coming days. The successful entry into service of the C919 represents a significant step forward for China’s domestic aviation industry.
This demonstrates the country’s growing aircraft design, manufacturing, and technology capabilities.
Potential for Global Impact
As more C919 aircraft are delivered and enter commercial service, the domestic market is expected to witness a surge in demand for air travel, leading to increased connectivity and economic growth.
The success of the C919 program in the domestic market will also open the door to potential exports to other countries in the foreseeable future. However, a challenge for COMAC is developing a global support network. The lessons of the Sukhoi SSJ taught operators far from the OEM’s home base how crucial this is. Both CityJet and InterJet suffered from a lack of product support.
