China’s COMAC is ready to deliver 50 aircraft this year

China’s COMAC C919 aircraft is quickly becoming a key player in the aviation industry, with growing attention from both local and international markets.

Since its debut, the C919 has flown over one million passengers, establishing itself as one of the most popular aircraft in China.

However, despite China’s ongoing efforts to secure international certification, the aircraft is still striving for broader global acceptance.

Scaling Up Production and Gaining Certification

For COMAC, scaling production and obtaining certification from international aviation regulators are vital to the company’s growth strategy.

The C919 entered commercial service in 2023, with approximately 16 units currently in operation with Chinese airlines.

These aircraft primarily serve domestic routes and have recently expanded to include flights to Hong Kong. According to Cirrum’s latest report, COMAC is expected to deliver an additional 27 C919s this year.

Comparison of comac c919 vs airbus a320- click here

Future Growth and Airline Orders

China’s top three state-owned airlines—Air China, China Eastern Airlines, and China Southern Airlines—have placed significant orders for the C919.

Each airline is expected to operate a fleet of at least 100 C919s by 2031. In 2023, COMAC set an ambitious goal to achieve an annual production capacity of 150 C919s within the next five years.

COMAC Expands with the C929

In addition to the C919, COMAC is also working on a larger, wide-body aircraft, the C929. Currently in the preliminary design phase, the C929 is set to offer more seats than the C919, catering to the wide-body aircraft market. The aircraft is expected to move into the detailed design phase soon.

Boeing 737 MAX Faces Production Delays

Meanwhile, Boeing’s 737 MAX continues to face production delays due to ongoing quality issues flagged by the FAA.

These delays have prompted some airlines to seek alternative aircraft options. As Boeing faces regulatory scrutiny, the C919’s ability to fill gaps in the Chinese market is becoming increasingly apparent, giving COMAC an advantage.

COMAC’s Growth Plans

Shen Bo, Deputy General Manager of COMAC, recently stated in an interview with The Paper that the Shanghai-based manufacturer aims to produce 30 C919 aircraft in 2024.

The company is positioning itself to compete globally with aviation giants Airbus and Boeing, which have dominated the single-aisle jet market for years, producing hundreds of A320neo and 737 MAX aircraft annually.

Other Market Players: Embraer and Airbus

Aside from COMAC, other aircraft manufacturers are also experiencing growth. Embraer, for example, has increased its production by 27% in 2024, delivering more aircraft than the previous year and securing numerous orders at recent airshows.

Meanwhile, the Airbus A321XLR is gaining popularity for long-haul, narrow-body flights, filling the gap for less-demanding routes. Airbus continues to ramp up production to meet growing demand, solidifying its position as a top contender in the aviation industry.

Conclusion

As the aviation industry continues to evolve, China’s COMAC C919 is steadily gaining traction in both domestic and international markets.

With ambitious production targets, a growing fleet, and plans for future aircraft development, COMAC is positioning itself to become a formidable competitor to Western aircraft manufacturers, Airbus and Boeing, in the coming years.