Air China and China Southern Airlines are set to become the second and third Chinese airlines to operate the domestically produced COMAC C919 passenger jet. The two state-owned carriers received their first C919s on Wednesday, August 28th, 2024, at the COMAC Pudong base in Shanghai, according to state-run Chinese Central TV (CCTV). You can find more information about COMAC and the C919 on their official website: COMAC.
The C919, a narrow-body twinjet airliner, is China’s first domestically developed large passenger aircraft. It aims to compete with established players like Airbus and Boeing in the global aviation market. The C919 received its type certificate from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) in September 2022, paving the way for its commercial operation. For insights into the global aviation market and industry trends, you can visit the International Air Transport Association (IATA) website.
China Eastern Airlines became the launch customer for the C919, with its first commercial flight taking place in May 2023. The airline currently operates seven C919s on domestic routes. Air China and China Southern Airlines have each placed orders for 100 C919s, demonstrating their commitment to supporting the domestically developed aircraft. To learn more about China Eastern Airlines and its operations, you can visit their website: China Eastern Airlines.
COMAC has reported over 1,000 orders for the C919, primarily from Chinese airlines. The company is actively marketing the aircraft to international customers, particularly in Southeast Asia and Saudi Arabia. The C919 has a capacity of up to 192 passengers and is comparable in size to the Boeing 737 MAX and Airbus A320neo. For news and updates on the aviation industry, you can visit websites like FlightGlobal or AINonline.
The C919’s entry into service marks a significant milestone for China’s aviation industry, as the country seeks to reduce its reliance on foreign aircraft manufacturers. The aircraft’s success will depend on its performance, reliability, and ability to gain international acceptance. To stay informed about the latest developments in the Chinese aviation market, you can follow publications like China Aviation Daily.
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