Air China and China Southern Receive First Domestically Produced COMAC C919 Jets
Air China celebrated the delivery of its first C919 aircraft from COMAC (Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China) at Beijing’s Capital International Airport (PEK) on Aug. 29, 2024. This milestone marks the entry of the first domestically produced aircraft into the fleet of China’s flag carrier. The aircraft, which arrived from COMAC’s final assembly plant at Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG), was welcomed with a traditional water arch salute.
Air China’s acquisition of the C919 is part of a larger contract signed in April 2024, under which the airline agreed to purchase 100 C919 aircraft from COMAC. The deliveries are scheduled to take place between 2024 and 2031, reflecting the airline’s commitment to expanding and modernizing its fleet with domestically manufactured aircraft.
The newly delivered C919 will be operated by Air China in a two-class configuration. The aircraft features 158 seats, including eight in business class and 150 in economy class. Each seat is equipped with in-flight entertainment, designed to enhance the passenger experience and meet the high standards expected by Air China’s customers.
This delivery represents a significant achievement for the C919 program as COMAC aims to compete with established aircraft like the Airbus A220/A320 and Boeing 737 MAX. The addition of Air China as an operator of the C919 marks a critical step in COMAC’s efforts to expand its customer base and increase its presence in the global aviation market.
To ensure a smooth integration of the C919 into its operations, Air China established specialized teams dedicated to aircraft maintenance, crew training, and ground support. The airline also collaborated closely with COMAC on operations control to ensure the new aircraft would seamlessly fit into its existing fleet.
“These teams diligently prepared for the aircraft’s entry, including extensive training for pilots, dispatchers, cabin crew, and safety personnel, as well as the development of robust maintenance and operational support systems,” Air China stated. Before the C919 enters commercial service, the airline will conduct ground tests, route validation flights, emergency evacuation drills, and operational certification to guarantee a smooth transition.
China Southern Airlines
The delivery to Air China coincided with another significant event for the C919 program: the first delivery to China Southern Airlines. The aircraft was also handed over at Pudong on Aug.29, 2024, and subsequently flown to Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN), where China Southern has a base. Like Air China, China Southern signed an agreement in April 2024 to purchase 100 C919 aircraft, with deliveries expected over the next several years.
COMAC highlighted the importance of these dual deliveries, stating that they represent a major milestone for the C919 program. “This underscores a significant achievement for the C919 program, signaling the beginning of the aircraft’s service with multiple operators, highlighting COMAC’s enhanced production capacity and management capabilities.”
An industry forecast by aviation consultancy Cirium in May predicts that the C919 will achieve nearly 1,700 deliveries by 2042, securing about 25% of the market share. This figure stands in contrast to Boeing’s 30% and Airbus’s 45%, indicating a competitive future landscape for COMAC.
With the latest deliveries to Air China and China Southern, the C919 program has now delivered a total of nine aircraft, including seven already in service with China Eastern, the launch customer for the narrowbody jet. These developments signal a promising future for the C919 as it begins to make its mark on the global aviation landscape.
Related news: https://airguide.info/?s=C919
Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, COMAC, Air China, China Southern