Air China and China Southern Airlines have reached a significant milestone in Chinese aviation by receiving their first Comac C919 aircraft. The delivery ceremony, held at Comac’s facility in Shanghai Pudong, marks a new era for the Chinese aviation industry as the two state-owned airlines join launch customer China Eastern in operating the domestically-produced jet.
This milestone marks the beginning of “multi-user operations” for the C919, as Comac describes it. The two C919s delivered on August 28th, represent the eighth and ninth aircraft to enter commercial service. Air China’s aircraft, a long-range variant, bears the registration number B-919X and features a low-density cabin configuration with 158 seats. China Southern’s aircraft, marked B-919J, follows the standard 164-seat layout used by China Eastern.
The delivery of these aircraft signifies the strong commitment of both airlines to the C919 program. Earlier this year, in April, both Air China and China Southern placed orders for 100 C919 aircraft each, demonstrating their confidence in the aircraft’s capabilities. The C919 program has also gained support from other Chinese airlines, including Tibet Airlines, Suparna Airlines, and Urumqi Air. Local media reports suggest that both China Southern and Air China are set to receive two more C919 aircraft before the end of the year.
Comac’s C919 program continues to garner interest, with nearly 1,000 firm orders and an additional 700 aircraft under preliminary agreements, according to Cirium fleet data. This signifies a significant shift in the global aviation landscape as Chinese manufacturers make their mark on the international stage. As the C919 program continues to grow, it is poised to challenge established players in the commercial aircraft market, further strengthening China’s position in the global aviation sector.
