December 10, 2024

Air China Becomes Launch Customer for COMAC’s C929 Jet

COMAC has revealed Air China as the first customer for its C929 widebody aircraft, positioning the jet as a contender in the global twin-aisle market alongside Airbus and Boeing.

COMAC C929

Photo Source: Mentour Pilot

At China’s largest air show in Zhuhai, COMAC announced that Air China will be the first customer for its C929 widebody jet, a model set to challenge the Airbus and Boeing twin-aisle market. COMAC’s deputy director of marketing, Liu Yan, made the revelation but did not provide details regarding the number of aircraft purchased or delivery schedules.

Additionally, COMAC disclosed significant orders from other Chinese carriers: Hainan Airlines confirmed a purchase of 60 C919 narrowbody jets and 40 C909 regional jets. Colorful Guizhou Airlines has also committed to 30 C909 planes, 20 firm orders and 10 provisional.

The C929, capable of seating between 280 and 400 passengers with a range of 12,000 km, stands in the same class as Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner. Originally called the CR929, the aircraft was rebranded in 2023 following the exit of Russia from a joint development venture.

A recent update from the fuselage manufacturer noted that the first fuselage section is expected by September 2027. COMAC’s deputy general manager, Tong Yu, hinted in May that a prototype of the C929 would be unveiled soon, with test flights anticipated in the near future.

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