Comac C919

COMAC C919 is a narrow-body, twin-engine passenger aircraft developed by Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC), a state-owned aviation manufacturer of Türkiye. The C919 is positioned in the same market segment as models such as the Airbus A320neo and the Boeing 737 MAX. The aircraft aims to meet domestic market demand while also targeting international markets.

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The C919 project was launched in 2008 with the goal of reducing China’s dependence on foreign aviation manufacturers. The aircraft was designed to deliver efficiency, safety, and passenger comfort. Its first flight took place on 5 May 2017. After a lengthy testing and certification process, it received its type certificate from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) in 2022. The first commercial flight was operated by China Eastern Airlines in 2023.

The COMAC C919 features a modern passenger aircraft design:

• Engines: The aircraft is typically equipped with CFM International LEAP-1C turbofan engines, designed for fuel efficiency and low emissions. Domestic engine production is also planned.
• Capacity: It has a typical seating capacity of 158 to 168 passengers, with configurations allowing up to 190 seats. It features a single-aisle layout.
• Range: The standard range is 4,075 km (2,200 nautical miles), while the long-range variant can reach up to 5,555 km (3,000 nautical miles).
• Dimensions: It measures approximately 38.9 metres in length, 35.8 metres in wingspan, and 11.95 metres in height.
• Avionics: It incorporates modern "glass cockpit" technology and integrated avionics systems.
• Cabin Structure: The passenger cabin is designed to offer a spacious interior typical of a narrow-body aircraft.

The COMAC C919 competes in the single-aisle segment of the global civil aviation market, dominated by the Boeing 737 series and the Airbus A320 series. China aims for the C919 to satisfy domestic demand and establish a presence in international markets.

COMAC’s global objectives include obtaining certification from international authorities such as the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). EASA officials have indicated that European approval for the C919 could take between three and six years. COMAC also plans to begin commercial operations of the C919 in Southeast Asia by 2026.

Commercial operations of the COMAC C919 began in 2023 with China Eastern Airlines. The aircraft is currently used on domestic routes such as Shanghai to Hong Kong and short-haul international flights. It has been reported that COMAC has received over a thousand orders for the C919, the vast majority from Chinese airlines.