Aviation

Czech Republic Purchases Two Embraer C-390s Multi-Mission Planes

The Czech Ministry of Defense has officially signed a contract to acquire two Embraer C-390 Millennium multi-mission transport aircraft. This addition marks a significant step toward modernizing and enhancing the operational capabilities of the Czech Air Force.

The C-390s, designed to NATO standards, are versatile aircraft capable of undertaking a variety of missions. These include tactical transport of troops, vehicles, and equipment; medical evacuations; firefighting; disaster management; humanitarian assistance; and air-to-air refueling.

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This procurement not only bolsters the Czech Air Force’s capabilities but also provides a substantial boost to the local aerospace industry, increasing its involvement in the aircraft production program. Embraer will also deliver a comprehensive training and support package to facilitate the seamless integration of these aircraft into the Czech fleet.

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The embraer c390 boasts impressive specifications, with a maximum payload capacity of 26 tons, a top speed of 470 knots, and cutting-edge technology that makes it a leader in its class. Its powerful engines, spacious cargo hold with a rear ramp, and durable landing gear equip it to tackle even the most challenging missions, including operations on unpaved runways.

Globally, the C-390 fleet has logged over 15,000 flight hours, showcasing an impressive mission capability rate of 93% and mission completion rates exceeding 99%. This track record underscores the aircraft’s reliability and effectiveness. c390 vs c130 Besides the Czech Republic, the C-390 has also been chosen by other NATO members, including the Netherlands, Hungary, and Portugal, as well as by Austria, Brazil, and South Korea.

Aviation

COMAC Unveils Plans for the C929 to Rival Airbus and Boeing

After the success of China’s first C919 aircraft, the country is setting its sights on developing a larger plane. COMAC (Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China) has officially confirmed plans to build a widebody aircraft, marking a significant step in its aircraft lineup.

Traditionally, Airbus and Boeing dominate the widebody aircraft market, with decades of expertise in developing planes and engines capable of carrying heavy payloads. China, which currently relies on imported engines, is now aiming to challenge these giants with its own widebody jet, the C929, designed to compete with the Airbus A350 and Boeing 777.

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The C929 will be China’s first independently developed long-range widebody aircraft. It adheres to international airworthiness standards and boasts independent intellectual property rights. The baseline version is designed to seat 280 passengers and offers a range of 12,000 kilometers, catering to global demand for both regional and international air travel.

Russia, which also needs reliable narrowbody and widebody aircraft, could become a key customer for the C929. Additionally, China plans to target the broader Asian market as it continues to expand its aviation capabilities.

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China’s aviation progress includes the ARJ21 (now called C909), a regional jet with 100 seats for shorter routes, and the C919, a narrowbody jet with 180 seats designed to rival the Boeing 737 MAX and Airbus A320. Both models have found increasing demand in the domestic market.

At China’s largest air show in Zhuhai, COMAC announced that Air China will be the launch customer for the C929 widebody jet, though details about order size and delivery timelines were not disclosed.

Other major deals announced by COMAC include:

Hainan Airlines: Firm orders for 60 C919 and 40 C909 regional jets.
Colorful Guizhou Airlines: 30 C909 jets, with 20 firm orders and 10 provisional agreements.

The C929, renamed from the CR929 after Russia withdrew from the joint development project in 2023, is expected to carry 280–400 passengers with a range of 12,000 kilometers, competing directly with Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner.

According to COMAC’s deputy general manager, Tong Yu, the first fuselage section of the C929 is expected by September 2027, with prototype test flights anticipated soon after.