The COMAC C919 is a narrow-body, twin-engine jet airliner developed by the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC). It is China's first domestically designed and built large passenger jet, intended to compete directly with the dominant Airbus A320 family and Boeing 737 family in the lucrative single-aisle market.
Here are its key characteristics:
- Origin and Goal: The C919 project was launched with the strategic goal of reducing China's reliance on foreign aircraft manufacturers and establishing its own aerospace industry.
- Configuration: It follows the standard narrow-body configuration, similar to its competitors, with a single aisle and seating typically arranged in a 3-3 layout.
- Capacity: Designed to carry between 158 and 192 passengers, depending on the seating arrangement, making it suitable for short-to-medium-haul domestic and regional routes.
- Engines: While primarily powered by the CFM International LEAP-1C engines (a similar engine family to those on the A320neo and 737 MAX), there are plans for a domestically produced engine, the ACAE CJ-1000A, to be an alternative option in the future.
- Technology & Components: Although designed and assembled in China, the C919 heavily relies on international suppliers for many critical components, including engines, avionics, landing gear, and control systems. This is a common practice in modern aircraft manufacturing.
- Certification: The aircraft received its type certificate from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) in September 2022, marking a major milestone.
- Entry into Service: The first C919 was delivered to China Eastern Airlines in December 2022 and commenced commercial passenger operations in May 2023.
- Market Position: While currently focused on the Chinese domestic market, COMAC aims to eventually compete globally, offering an alternative to the Airbus-Boeing duopoly.
In summary, the COMAC C919 represents a significant achievement for China's aerospace industry, aiming to provide a modern, efficient, and domestically produced option for the highly competitive narrow-body aircraft market.
