COMAC Ramps Up C919 Production Challenging Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 in Competitive Market

Chinese manufacturer COMAC is starting to make bolder plans with the C919, a jetliner developed entirely in China. The aircraft, which has been in commercial service for just eight months, experienced slow development but has gradually proven to be a viable alternative to Western jets. It serves as a direct challenger to the Airbus A320 and the Boeing 737 Max series jets in the marketplace.

Last week, COMAC’s deputy general manager, Zhang Yujin, told Chinese outlet The Paper that the company will invest tens of billions of yuan over the next three to five years to prepare to meet demand.

In addition to China Eastern, Air China also placed a firm order for six C919s, but there are more than 1000 commitments to purchase the aircraft, the absolute majority from Chinese companies.

The COMAC C919, a narrow-body commercial airliner developed by the Chinese aerospace manufacturer COMAC, has several competitors in the global aviation market, primarily in the single-aisle aircraft category. The most notable competitors are:

• Airbus A320 Family: This is a direct competitor to the C919. The A320 family, particularly the A320neo (new engine option), is known for its fuel efficiency and is widely used by airlines around the world.
• Boeing 737 Series: Particularly the Boeing 737 MAX series, which competes in the same market segment as the C919. The 737 MAX has been a strong contender in the single-aisle aircraft market, although it faced challenges following two major accidents and subsequent grounding.
• Embraer E-Jets: While Embraer’s E-Jet family, including the E190/E195 models, are slightly smaller in terms of passenger capacity compared to the C919, they are still competitors in the market for short to medium-haul routes.
• Bombardier CSeries (now Airbus A220): Originally developed by Bombardier, the CSeries (now rebranded as the Airbus A220 after Airbus acquired the program) is another competitor in the narrow-body market segment. The A220 is praised for its fuel efficiency and passenger comfort.
• Russian MC-21: Developed by Irkut Corporation, a branch of the United Aircraft Corporation of Russia, the MC-21 is a direct competitor to the C919. It is a new-generation single-aisle airliner designed for the same market segment.
• Mitsubishi SpaceJet (formerly Mitsubishi Regional Jet or MRJ): This is a regional jet program from Japan, which aims to compete in the smaller single-aisle market. While its focus is more regional compared to the C919, it still represents competition in the broader single-aisle aircraft market.

The competition in this segment is intense, given the high demand for single-aisle, fuel-efficient aircraft for domestic and short to medium international flights. The entry of the C919 into this market adds a significant new player, particularly in the Asian aviation market.