HONG KONG: China’s domestically produced passenger jet, the C919, took centre stage in Hong Kong as international media got an up-close look at the aircraft.
The C919, developed by the state-owned Commercial Aircraft Corp of China (COMAC), made its maiden commercial flight in May and is a crucial component of China’s ambitions to compete with established players like Boeing and Airbus while reducing reliance on foreign technology.
Displaying the sleek narrow-body aircraft at Hong Kong International Airport, the C919 is expected to fly over Victoria Harbour on Saturday. Hong Kong leader John Lee hailed the C919 and its precursor, the ARJ21, as “important milestones” for China’s aviation sector, emphasizing the country’s leading position in transportation manufacturing.
Despite China’s significant investment in the C919, aiming for self-sufficiency in key technologies, the aircraft still sources many of its parts from overseas. The jet received official certification to fly last year after over a decade in development but has yet to secure international buyers.
The C919 has garnered 1,061 orders from over 30 clients, officials revealed, and more than 60,000 passengers have been transported by the two C919 jets operating the Shanghai-Chengdu route. While reporters and guests toured the aircraft, the following days were reserved for visits from local community representatives.
Officials highlighted the C919’s advanced features, including its aerodynamic design, state-of-the-art propulsion system, and advanced materials contributing to lower emissions and improved fuel efficiency. The aircraft can be configured with 158 to 192 seats and has a maximum range of 5,555 kilometers.
China’s push to strengthen its aviation sector aligns with the growing demand for air travel, particularly from the country’s expansive middle class. Both Airbus and Boeing are actively targeting Asia and China to capitalize on this demand, with Airbus recently announcing plans to double its production capacity in China, including the construction of a second final assembly line for the A320 in Tianjin.
