COMAC Boosts C919 Production Capacity
China’s Commercial Aircraft Corporation (COMAC) announced an ambitious plan to boost the production capacity of its flagship C919 single-aisle passenger aircraft to 50 units per year by 2025. The decision was unveiled by COMAC Deputy General Manager Shen Bo during the annual “Two Sessions” parliamentary meeting in Shanghai on January 17, 2025, marking a significant milestone in the company’s efforts to challenge the global duopoly of Airbus and Boeing.
According to Shen Bo, “In 2025, the production capacity of C919 will reach 50 aircraft, and the number of aircraft off the assembly line is expected to reach 30.” This statement, reported by local media outlet The Paper, underscores COMAC’s determination to accelerate production and meet the growing market demand for its homegrown aircraft. The C919, with a seating capacity ranging from 158 to 192 passengers and a range of 4,075 to 5,555 kilometers, is the first independently developed jetliner from China that meets international airworthiness standards and enjoys independent intellectual property rights.
Since its entry into service, the C919 has gradually gained traction in the global aviation market. There are currently over 1,000 orders for the aircraft, a strong testament to its competitive potential. Major Chinese airlines such as Air China, China Eastern Airlines, and China Southern Airlines have each placed orders for 100 units, clearly demonstrating domestic confidence in the new aircraft. Additionally, the C919’s performance record is encouraging; in December 2024, the aircraft successfully carried over one million passengers, signaling its operational reliability and growing acceptance among carriers.
COMAC’s production strategy is aimed at positioning the company as a serious contender on the international stage. With plans to increase annual output to 50 aircraft, COMAC is setting its sights on reducing production lead times and significantly increasing delivery rates. By aiming for a target of having 30 aircraft off the assembly line in 2025, the company is proactively preparing to fill the sizable order backlog while concurrently enhancing its post-certification management and airworthiness processes. These improvements are expected not only to streamline operations but also to instill greater confidence in international customers considering the C919 for their fleets.
The production expansion comes at a critical time, as COMAC looks to harness economies of scale to drive down costs and increase competitive pricing against its Western counterparts. By optimizing manufacturing processes and incorporating advanced production technologies, COMAC envisions the C919 achieving both superior performance metrics and improved cost-effectiveness. This will help the aircraft compete more effectively on the global market, especially as air travel demand rebounds and airlines look to modernize their fleets with fuel-efficient, low-emission aircraft.
Beyond the C919, COMAC is laying the groundwork for future growth with its widebody project, the C929. Currently in the early design and supplier selection phase, the C929 is anticipated to move quickly into detailed design. This future development reflects COMAC’s broader ambition to build a comprehensive range of commercial aircraft that cater to various market segments—from single-aisle jets like the C919 to larger, long-haul models.
As COMAC ramps up production capacity and continues to refine its aircraft development programs, the company is poised to play a transformative role in the global aviation industry. With renewed focus on innovation, cost efficiency, and adherence to international safety standards, COMAC’s strides in the commercial jetliner market signal a promising future for Chinese aerospace on the world stage.
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