Image Credits - Malay Mail
China’s first domestically produced large passenger jet, the C919, is getting ready for its inaugural flight outside mainland China, marking a significant stride toward self-reliance.
Manufactured by the state-owned Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC), the jet is set to perform a flyby over Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour next week, representing a significant achievement for China’s aviation sector.
It completed its maiden commercial flight in May and plays a crucial role in Beijing’s longstanding goals of challenging Western competitors in the aviation industry and reducing China’s dependence on foreign technology. Additionally, the state-owned Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) will showcase the jet at Hong Kong International Airport from December 12 to 17, as disclosed by city leader John Lee on Tuesday.
China aims for its C919 single-aisle aircraft to rival foreign counterparts, such as the Boeing 737 MAX and Airbus A320, despite relying on numerous imported components. The jet’s development started in 2008, obtaining official flight certification last year. While the C919 has not yet secured international customers, COMAC’s ARJ21 is operational in China and Indonesia.
Deputy General Manager Zhang Yujin disclosed that around 1,200 C919 orders have been received, with plans to increase annual production capacity to 150 models within five years. This signifies China’s significant progress in reducing dependence on foreign technology and challenging Western aircraft manufacturers.
While the C919 has not secured international customers to date, COMAC’s other model, the ARJ21, is operational in China and Indonesia. COMAC reportedly boasts around 1,200 orders for the C919 and plans to escalate production to 150 aircraft annually over the next five years, according to Zhang Yujin, Deputy General Manager of COMAC.
As the C919 readies for its inaugural international showcase, China’s ambition to establish a prominent presence in the global aviation sector gains momentum. This event underscores the nation’s notable advancements in aerospace manufacturing and its persistent pursuit to compete with the world’s leading aircraft manufacturers.