COMAC Aims to Expand Production of C919 Aircraft in 2024

Chinese aircraft manufacturer COMAC plans to increase production of its C919 single-aisle planes to 50 units this year, according to Deputy General Manager Shen Bo. The Shanghai-based state-owned company aims to manufacture 30 C919 jets in 2024, Shen revealed in an interview with The Paper.

The C919, which entered commercial service in 2023, is China’s bid to challenge global aviation giants Airbus and Boeing. These Western manufacturers currently dominate the single-aisle market with their A320neo and 737 MAX series. To compete internationally, COMAC is prioritizing scaling production and obtaining foreign regulatory certifications.

Currently, 16 C919 planes operate on domestic routes and flights to Hong Kong. Aviation consultancy Cirium projects 27 additional C919 deliveries this year. By 2031, China’s leading state-owned airlines—Air China, China Eastern Airlines, and China Southern Airlines—are expected to each operate fleets of at least 100 C919 jets, as per their purchase commitments.

COMAC has set a long-term goal to achieve an annual production capacity of 150 C919 aircraft within five years. The company is also working on the C929, a larger wide-body jet, which is in the early design stages. Air China is expected to be the first customer for the C929.

COMAC’s expansion is a strategic step toward reducing reliance on Western aircraft while bolstering China’s position in the global aviation market.

The company’s success hinges on its ability to scale production and navigate regulatory hurdles, crucial factors in competing with established industry leaders.