China Eastern Completes First C919 Engine Swap

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China Eastern Airlines has successfully completed the first engine replacement on its COMAC C919, marking a milestone in the maintenance of China’s domestically produced commercial jet. The engine swap, conducted on the aircraft registered as B-919A, represents a significant achievement for China Eastern and a step forward in operational readiness for the C919, a model set to play a vital role in China’s aviation industry.

The engine replacement took place over nine days and was part of a series of procedural tests to validate the engine replacement process and enhance the protocol for future maintenance. During this period, engineers at China Eastern undertook 60 routine tasks along with over 10 non-routine tasks, including rigorous testing to confirm the aircraft’s reliability and safety standards, as reported by CGTN. The successful completion of these tests not only ensures the operational dependability of the C919 but also strengthens China Eastern’s capability to maintain and service this aircraft model effectively.

China Eastern Airlines, based in Shanghai, is the launch customer for the COMAC C919, China’s first domestically manufactured narrow-body jet designed to rival the Airbus A320neo and Boeing 737 MAX. Since introducing the first C919 into its fleet on December 8, 2022, China Eastern has expanded its operations with eight C919 aircraft, serving major domestic routes that connect Shanghai with key cities like Beijing, Chengdu, and Xi’an. The C919 has become integral to China Eastern’s network, meeting the rising demand for efficient, short- to medium-haul flights across China.

The C919’s design aligns closely with its international competitors, featuring similar fuel efficiency, passenger capacity, and cost-effectiveness. As the C919 continues to enter commercial service, airlines are seeing an increasing need for comprehensive maintenance solutions to support the jet’s longevity. The successful engine replacement is a promising indication that Chinese carriers will be able to meet this demand with in-house resources, especially as the number of C919 jets in operation grows.

In a $10 billion agreement with COMAC, China Eastern Airlines plans a phased expansion of its C919 fleet. According to the contract signed in September 2023, China Eastern is scheduled to receive up to 10 C919s annually between 2025 and 2027, increasing to 15 units annually from 2028 to 2030. By 2031, the carrier anticipates receiving 20 C919s per year, positioning China Eastern to become one of the largest operators of this aircraft type.

While China Eastern currently leads with the largest number of C919s in service, other major Chinese carriers are also expanding their C919 fleets. Air China and China Southern Airlines, each with one C919 currently in service, have placed additional orders for 99 and 104 units, respectively. These orders reflect the broader industry confidence in the C919 as a competitive and reliable option within the narrow-body market.

The C919 engine replacement accomplishment by China Eastern highlights the advancing capabilities of Chinese airlines to independently manage and maintain the COMAC fleet. As more C919s enter commercial service, this foundational step in maintenance expertise will be crucial in supporting COMAC’s ambitious growth within China’s aviation sector and potentially on the global stage.

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