China Eastern Airlines Commits to Purchase 100 COMAC C919 Jets in Historic Deal

China Eastern Airlines has entered into a monumental agreement with state-owned COMAC to purchase 100 C919 narrowbody aircraft, marking the largest single order for the Chinese-manufactured jet. The deliveries are scheduled to commence in 2024 and extend through 2031, with an initial batch of five aircraft to be received in the first year. This substantial commitment underscores China Eastern’s confidence in the domestic aviation industry and its strategic move to gradually replace aging and expiring lease contracts of existing narrowbody aircraft. The carrier, currently operating two C919s, anticipates the arrival of an additional three units from its earlier order by the end of 2023.