A COMAC started the final assembly of the first C919 aircraft that will be directed to an airline, getting closer and closer to the certification of its aircraft, after several years of development.
China Eastern Airlines will be the company responsible for receiving this aircraft, and also for the first delivery of a C919 aircraft. The planning of the Chinese manufacturer remains the same, to deliver this C919 still in 2021.
Three of China's largest airlines will operate the new jet, some 28 airlines have ordered 815 new planes.
China Eastern Airlines has 25 firm orders for the C919. The airline is planning to use the new aircraft for its low-cost arm, OTT Airlines, which will operate only Chinese aircraft.
In general, COMAC offers 3 versions for purchase that reach from 156 engers to 174 when in a single class configuration with high density. The COMAC aircraft has a range of 4075 km. A long-range version can fly up to 5555 kilometers.
Its project has the participation of American and European companies to build several systems of the aircraft, another step towards the westernization of COMAC. The engines, for example, are manufactured by CFM, from the same Leap line, which equips the Airbus A320neo and the Boeing 737 MAX.
This is the company's big bet to compete with the Boeing 737 MAX and the Airbus A320neo. The aircraft has already accumulated more than 700 orders, all by airlines in China.
