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Andrew Mullen

The C919 – China’s home-grown, narrowbody passenger jet – is designed to carry between 158 and 192 passengers and compete with Boeing’s 737 and Airbus’ A320.
It is built by the Shanghai-based state-owned Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (Comac).
The C919 completed its first commercial flight at the end of May 2023 after 15 years of development.
1. Maiden commercial flight (May 2023)
The C919 completed its first commercial flight between Shanghai and Beijing on May 28, 2023.
Bearing the symbolic number MU9191, the China Eastern Airlines craft carried over 130 passengers between the two cities in around two hours.
2. Second C919 delivered
Comac delivered a second C919 jet to China Eastern Airlines in Shanghai.


3. C919 to come in different sizes (September 2023)
Comac said it intended to build an expanded series of the C919, with seating classes spanning 130 to 240 seats, up from the original range of between 156 and 192.
4. China Eastern Airlines signs deal to buy 100 C919s
China Eastern Airlines said it signed a contract with Comac to buy 100 more C919 passenger planes, in addition to the five it ordered in 2021.
The airline said five were to be delivered in 2024, while 10 would be delivered annually in the following three years, and 15 would follow each year from 2028 to 2030. Annual deliveries are expected to reach 20 in 2031, it added.
5. First trip outside mainland China (December 2023)
The C919 made its first trip outside mainland China by flying to Hong Kong, including a flyover of the city’s iconic Victoria Harbour.


6. Third C919 delivered (December 2023)
Comac delivered its third C919 aircraft to China Eastern Airlines for operation on a route between Chengdu and Shanghai.
7. Deal signed for high-altitude variant (December 2023)
Comac and Tibet Airlines signed a cooperation deal to jointly develop a plateau-suited model of the C919.
They also agreed to jointly establish a national research centre.
Plateau-suited jets are shorter and carry more oxygen cylinders to ensure the aircraft can maintain a continuous supply of oxygen in the event of a depressurisation, while the engines also have more thrust to support sustained flight at higher altitudes where the air is thinner.
They are also equipped with more accurate satellite communication systems to suit the complex terrain.


8. China seeks European approval (January 2024)
The Civil Aviation Administration of China said it would promote the certification of its domestically built narrowbody passenger jet in Europe in 2024.
The C919 has only been certified by the Chinese regulator.
9. C919 flies China’s busiest route (January 2024)
The C919 flew on China’s busiest route connecting capital Beijing with the economic hub of Shanghai.
The regular service was expected to be available for two weeks.
10. C919 makes international debut (February 2024)

Two C919s took part in the 2024 edition of the Singapore Airshow, its first-ever international display.
The C919 also conducted a flyover of Changi Exhibition Centre.
Comac also announced that it had signed a deal with Tibet Airlines for 40 C919s.
11. C919 eyes Southeast Asia (February and March 2024)


Comac said it planned two weeks of test flights in Southeast Asia, with visits to Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia and Vietnam.
12. Air China agrees to buy 100 C919 (April 2024)
Air China said that it had signed an agreement with Comac to buy 100 C919s between 2024 and 2031.
The airline said it had negotiated a “rather large price discount” off the listed total of US$10.8 billion for the order.
13. C919 passes ‘deep level’ post-flight safety tests (May 2024)
The C919 passed a battery of “deep level” safety tests during four days of “A-inspection” tests by China Eastern Airlines Technology, a subsidiary of the group that owns China Eastern Airlines.
A crew of more than 60 checked the aircraft – referred to as B-919A by China Eastern Airlines – and tested its engines, landing gear and all equipment in the cabin.


China’s C919 turns in stellar report card, but profitability remains elusive

As Boeing flails, does China’s C919 jet have ‘window of opportunity’ in global market?

China’s C919 passenger jet spreads its wings with delivery milestone to 3 carriers

China’s C919 jet gets R&D lift as Comac, HKUST agree to personnel partnership

China’s C919 passenger plane

China’s C919 passenger jet marks first anniversary of commercial flights: 13 key moments from year 1

The C919 – China’s home-grown, narrowbody passenger jet. Photo: Xinhua


A C919 is greeted with a water salute after touching down at Beijing Capital International Airport in Beijing. Photo: Xinhua

Comac chairman He Dongfeng witnesses a signing ceremony with Tibet Airlines during the Singapore Airshow. Photo: Reuters

China’s C919, after a year of domestic flights, preps its pitch for Western endorsement

Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen

The chassis of the Y-10, China’s ill-fated first attempt at a home-grown airliner, being repainted at Comac’s main assembly line near Shanghai Pudong International Airport. Photo: Frank Chen

From left, Jie Yuwen and Gu Xin, deputy director and director of CAAC’s Shanghai Airworthiness Certification Centre. Photo: Frank Chen

Technicians work on a C919 flight simulator at a Comac training facility in Shanghai. Photo: Frank Chen

Inside China’s C919, and why it’s great for short passengers – a reporter goes behind the scenes

China’s maker of the C919 passenger jet says its manufacturing process will become more automated and intelligent. Photo: Weibo

Foreign technicians work at a C919 flight simulator in front of a Chinese flag at a Comac training facility in Shanghai. Photo: Frank Chen

China begins work on new C939 widebody jet, going bigger and bolder after C919’s success

China’s Comac has already begun design work on the next generation of domestically produced airliners after its success with the narrowbody C919. Photo: CAAC

China’s C919 aircraft to roll off the line faster as developer expands capacity, but reliance on engine imports risks ‘bottleneck’

China’s chief maker of civilian aircraft wants to get more C919 narrowbody jets off the ground to meet domestic demand. Photo: CAAC

China’s C919 passes ‘deep level’ post-flight safety tests, ramps up rivalry with embattled Boeing

A crew of more than 60 checked the aircraft – refered to as B-919A by China Eastern Airlines – and tested the engines, landing gear and all equipment in the cabin, according to the regulator. Photo: Civil Aviation Administration of China

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China’s C919 home-grown, narrowbody passenger jet completed its first commercial flight between Shanghai and Beijing on May 28, 2023
Over the last year, China’s rival for Boeing’s 737 and Airbus’ A320 has made its international debut at the Singapore Airshow and received more domestic orders


China’s C919 home-grown, narrowbody passenger jet completed its first commercial flight between Shanghai and Beijing on May 28, 2023.


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Explainer | China’s C919 passenger jet marks first anniversary of commercial flights: 13 key moments from year 1

1. Maiden commercial flight (May 2023)