Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) is reportedly planning to commence test flights of C919 aircraft this year.
The company completed basic assembly of the aircraft, and plans to roll out the C919 off assembly lines later this year, reported Xinhua.
Discover B2B Marketing That Performs
Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.
The Shanghai-based aircraft manufacturer received C919 vertical fin and the back end of rear fuselage from local producers.
COMAC secured 450 orders for C919 from 18 customers worldwide.
The C919 aircraft is part of COMAC’s efforts to break the duopoly of aviation companies Airbus and Boeing in the segment.
The programme was hit by a series of delays due to lack of technical expertise with domestic producers, and local industry-specific talent.
US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?
Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.
By GlobalDataPowered by two CFM International LEAP 1C engines, the C919 is believed to compete with Boeing 737 and Airbus A320.
COMAC’s twin-engine ARJ-21 received a first type certificate from Civil Aviation Administration of China in December 2014. The ARJ-21 is designed to compete with Embraer and Bombardier aircraft.
According to Airbus 2014-2033 Global Market Forecast, China will have the highest domestic air traffic worldwide in the next ten years.
The country is estimated to require more than 5,300 aircraft with a total market value of $820bn.
Image: COMAC completed basic assembly of the C919. Photo: courtesy of Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China Ltd.
