Aerospace

Milestones of China’s first homegrown jetliner’s commercial debut with the C919

With the C919, which will now compete with Boeing and Airbus aircraft in the primary narrow body category segments, China is now approaching the mainland of aerospace manufacturing facility. To support domestic airlines, China has now built its own commercial aircraft facilities.

On Sunday, a China Eastern Airlines C919 made its inaugural commercial flight from Shanghai to Beijing, marking the debut of China’s first domestically constructed passenger jet.

The trip represents a turning point in the country’s long-term campaign to compete with Western rivals in the aviation industry.

China received the first C919 passenger aircraft. On Sunday, Eastern Airlines launched its first commercial service between Shanghai and Beijing.

The C919 is the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China’s (COMAC) first domestically produced large passenger aircraft.

The C919 program, which was formally introduced in 2009, has been steadily making progress toward its objective of commercial service.

The first C919 aircraft numbered 101, made its inaugural flight on May 5, 2017, lasting roughly 1 hour and 19 minutes. This flight demonstrated the aircraft’s potential and opened a new chapter in China’s aviation history.

COMAC started designing the C919 15 years ago.

Since then, the C919 has been through a protracted testing process with significant checkpoints. The first long-distance flight of the second C919 aircraft, which lasted 2 hours and 23 minutes, was successfully completed, COMAC reported in December 2017. This was an important development in validating its performance and operational range.

Many passengers responded favorably to the first commercial flight, which was also evaluated for nearly many months before being used for commercial purposes. This accomplishment, which is being watched by the majority of the world, will be the next great thing for China’s expertise in aircraft manufacturing.

According to the flight tracking app Variflight, the C919 aircraft departed Shanghai’s Hongqiao Airport at 10:32 a.m. local time (0232 GMT) for Beijing Capital Airport.

According to CCTV, the plane was carrying 130 people.

“I have faith in the plane. One of the about 130 passengers told CCTV that the flight went more smoothly than he had anticipated.

According to the TV channel, passengers received crimson boarding cards and a delectable “themed meal” to honour the flight.

State-owned Commercial Aviation Corp of China (COMAC) is the manufacturer of the C919 aircraft.

To compete with the Airbus A320neo and Boeing 737 MAX single-aisle jet families, COMAC started designing the C919 15 years ago.

Aerospace

Which is bigger 777x or 787 aircraft ?

The 777X is a new series of the Boeing 777 family and is designed to be larger and more efficient than its predecessor. It features two variants: the 777-8 and the 777-9, being the larger of the two.

The Boeing 777X emerges as the larger sibling within the Boeing family, representing a significant leap forward in both size and efficiency. Comprising two variants, the 777-8 and the 777-9, the latter takes the crown as the larger of the two. With its expansive fuselage and impressive wingspan, the 777X is tailored for long-range journeys and boasts a substantial passenger capacity.

On the other hand, the Boeing 787, affectionately known as the Dreamliner, occupies a niche in the market as a smaller yet formidable aircraft designed for medium to long-range flights. Its distinguishing feature lies in its composite fuselage, a technological marvel that renders it lighter and more fuel-efficient compared to conventional aluminum counterparts. The Boeing 777X is larger than the Boeing 787 aircraft.

When it comes to passenger capacity, the 777-9 reigns supreme, typically accommodating a sizeable contingent of 400-425 passengers in its standard configuration. In contrast, the 787, with its more modest dimensions, typically carries between 240-290 passengers, depending on the variant and layout.

One of the remarkable innovations introduced with the 777X is its folding wingtips, a feature designed to address the logistical challenges of accommodating such a large aircraft in conventional airport gates. These folding wingtips enable the 777X to retract its wings, allowing it to fit into gates designed for smaller aircraft while still reaping the benefits of an extended wingspan during flight, thereby enhancing fuel efficiency and operational flexibility

Aerospace

China Secures Production Certificate for Mass Production of Pilotless eVTOL Aircraft

EHang

The first passenger-carrying pilotless electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in the world, the EH216-S, has received the Production Certificate for its eVTOL aircraft from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC).

This is a significant milestone for EHang Holdings Limited, the leading UAM technology platform company in the world. This outstanding accomplishment is another big step towards mass manufacturing for the eVTOL aircraft and the ensuing commercial operations, building on the ground-breaking acquisition of the Type Certificate and the Standard Airworthiness Certificate for the EH216-S.

The PC is a crucial certificate that the aircraft maker receives from the CAAC, the country’s aviation authority. By obtaining this certificate, EHang has demonstrated that it has set up a quality management system for mass production that satisfies the airworthiness regulation standards set forth by the CAAC, and the company has been given permission to continue producing mass quantities.

It is also a strong guarantee of the calibre of the goods made by EHang. Raw materials, supplier management, manufacturing organisation, production quality control, aircraft pre-delivery test, after-sales repair and maintenance, etc. are all included in the mass production quality management system for the EH216-S.

To ensure that every aircraft and its components that roll off the production line strictly adhere to the approved type design and safety requirements, the system sets clear guidelines and documentation for every step in the production procedure. This ensures comprehensive traceability and safety control.

Aerospace

Four Airbus A380 Superjumbos lined up to be scrapped

EASA Proposes AD for Airbus A380 Wing Rib Foot Cracks

In a strategic move aimed at reclaiming valuable resources from the iconic Airbus A380 aircraft, VAS Aero Services and Dr. Peters Group have announced a significant collaboration.

This partnership marks a milestone in aviation logistics and aftermarket services, with four of these colossal planes slated for teardown and redistribution of used serviceable material (USM).

The venture between VAS Aero Services, renowned for its expertise in aircraft dismantlement, and Dr. Peters Group, a prominent Germany-based investment fund management firm, underscores a commitment to sustainable aviation practices. This isn’t their first foray into scrapping A380s; their successful partnership has already seen the dismantlement of these aircraft, making them pioneers in this niche.

Under the agreement, the latest consignment brings the tally to eight A380s entrusted to VAS by Dr. Peters Group. Managing Director Christian Mailly of Dr. Peters Group emphasized the trust placed in VAS, citing their unparalleled capabilities in dismantlement and aftermarket sales network. It’s a strategic move in response to the growing demand for quality USM parts, particularly with the resurgence in reliance on the A380.

Notably, the teardown process will be carried out at various locations, optimizing the positioning of harvested parts to cater to different markets. While some parts will be positioned in Europe to support operators in the region and the Middle East, others will remain in the Asia-Pacific region. This meticulous strategy ensures efficient access to spare parts, benefiting MROs and airlines across these markets.

The decision to retire these A380s comes at a time when operators are reassessing fleet strategies amidst evolving market dynamics. Despite initial plans for quick retirement due to the emergence of more fuel-efficient alternatives, factors such as a rebound in long-haul demand and delays in new widebody deliveries have prompted operators to reconsider. The A380, with its unique capacity and capabilities, presents a practical solution for short-term capacity management.