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Comac C919

The Comac C919 is a Chinese narrow-body, twin-engine commercial jet developed by Comac for short- to medium-haul routes.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Comac C919 is a Chinese narrow-body, twin-engine commercial jet developed by Comac for short- to medium-haul routes. It was designed to compete with the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 families. The aircraft received CAAC type certification in 2022 and entered commercial service with China Eastern Airlines in 2023.

Development

Comac launched the C919 programme in 2008 as a narrow-body airliner intended to compete with established Western single-aisle aircraft. Production began in 2011, followed by prototype rollout on 2 November 2015 and first flight on 5 May 2017.

Certification and entry into service

The aircraft received CAAC type certification on 29 September 2022. China Eastern Airlines received the first production airframe in December 2022, and the aircraft entered commercial passenger service on 28 May 2023.

Design and specifications

The C919 is a twin-engine, narrow-body jet using mainly aluminium alloys and CFM International LEAP turbofan engines. Published configurations place it at 158 to 168 passengers with a range of up to 5,555 km.

Market position

The C919 is positioned as a competitor to the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 families. It is intended mainly for domestic and regional short- to medium-haul operations.

Key facts

  • Developed by Chinese state-owned manufacturer Comac as part of China’s commercial aviation industry.
  • Launched in 2008 to compete with the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 families.
  • First prototype rolled out in November 2015 and first flew in May 2017.
  • Received CAAC type certification in September 2022 and entered commercial service in May 2023.
  • Powered by CFM International LEAP engines, with typical seating for 158 to 168 passengers.
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Canadian context

Canada is relevant mainly through the global commercial aviation market, where the C919 is a potential competitor to Airbus and Boeing aircraft used by Canadian and international carriers.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Comac C919?
It is a Chinese narrow-body twin-engine passenger jet developed by Comac for short- to medium-haul routes.
When did the C919 first fly?
The C919’s maiden flight took place on 5 May 2017.
When did it enter commercial service?
The C919 entered commercial passenger service on 28 May 2023 with China Eastern Airlines.
How many passengers can it carry?
In normal operating configuration, the C919 carries about 158 to 168 passengers.
What aircraft is it designed to compete with?
It is designed to compete with the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 families.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comac_C919
    Supports: Launch date, prototype rollout, first flight, CAAC certification, first delivery, service entry, manufacturer, capacity, range, engines, and market positioning.