Air China Becomes Launch Customer for COMAC C929 Long-Haul Aircraft

Air China has signed a framework agreement with the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) to become the launch customer for the C929 long-haul widebody aircraft. The announcement was made on November 12, 2024, during the 15th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition in Zhuhai, China.

The C929, which has long been considered a competitor to popular long-haul aircraft like the Airbus A350 and Boeing 777, is set to accommodate approximately 280 passengers. While the Airbus A350 typically offers seating for 300 to 410 passengers and the Boeing 777 can carry up to 396, the C929’s seating capacity positions it as a mid-range option in the widebody market.

Although still in the design stage, the COMAC C929 is expected to offer a range of over 7,000 miles once completed, making it a viable option for long-haul international routes. However, it will take several more years before Air China receives its first C929 jet, as the aircraft is still undergoing development.

Originally part of a joint venture between China and Russia, the C929 project was initially known as the CR929. However, the collaboration between the two countries dissolved after the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, with international cooperation on the project coming to a halt. Yury Slyusar, the General Director of United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), noted that sanctions against Russia were a key factor in the suspension of the partnership, with all international technology leaders involved ceasing cooperation on the C929.

Once operational, the COMAC C929 is expected to provide Air China with a new, domestically-produced option for long-haul flights, offering competition to the established A350 and 777 fleets. As the launch customer, Air China’s involvement marks a significant step in China’s growing presence in the global aviation industry, which aims to reduce reliance on foreign aircraft manufacturers and enhance the domestic aerospace sector.

With the C929 still in the design phase, it will take time for the aircraft to enter service. However, the deal with Air China signals confidence in the project’s eventual success and the potential for the aircraft to meet the growing demand for long-haul travel, particularly within the Chinese market.

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