China's first large commercial jetliner, the COMAC C919 is a single-aisle twin built to rival the A320neo and 737 MAX. It first flew in 2017 and began revenue service with China Eastern Airlines in May 2023. Two CFM LEAP-1C engines seat 158 in typical service and up to 192, ranging about 5,555 km at roughly 838 km/h. The jet runs 38.90 metres long on a 35.80-metre wing, grosses up to 77,300 kg, and climbs to a 12,100-metre ceiling. Its entry into service marked a milestone for the country's commercial aerospace ambitions, breaking a long dependence on Western narrow-bodies. Still in production, it files as C919.
Pesawat komersial besar pertama buatan Tiongkok, bersaing langsung dengan A320neo dan 737 MAX. C919 memasuki layanan bersama China Eastern pada Mei 2023, menandai tonggak sejarah ambisi penerbangan Tiongkok.
Frequently Asked Questions
The COMAC C919 typically seats 158 passengers in a two-class configuration. In a single-class high-density layout, it can carry up to 192 passengers. The cabin is 3.96 m wide, actually wider than both the Boeing 737 (3.54 m) and Airbus A320 (3.70 m), with a 3-3 seating arrangement offering generous shoulder room.
The COMAC C919 has a maximum range of approximately 5,555 km (3,000 nautical miles). The aircraft uses two CFM International LEAP-1C engines, the same engine family used on the Airbus A320neo and Boeing 737 MAX. The C919 was designed to compete directly with the A320neo and 737 MAX on domestic and regional routes within China.
The C919 seats similar passengers to the A320neo but has a shorter range (5,555 km vs 6,300 km). The A320neo is a mature design with decades of operational experience and a global support network. The C919 uses many Western subsystems including LEAP-1C engines and Honeywell avionics. The C919's cabin is slightly wider, but its overall efficiency and dispatch reliability are still being proven in early service. The C919 is currently certified only by CAAC (China) and has no international certification.
The C919 has a conventional twin-engine narrowbody configuration with underwing-mounted LEAP-1C engines. It resembles the A320neo in overall proportions but has a slightly different nose shape with a more rounded cockpit windshield design. The wingtips feature upward-curving winglets. The aircraft is currently only found at Chinese airports and is typically seen in China Eastern Airlines livery.
The C919 represents China's most ambitious effort to break the Boeing-Airbus duopoly in the single-aisle market. China Eastern Airlines received the first C919 in December 2022 and began commercial operations in May 2023. The aircraft has received over 1,000 orders, almost exclusively from Chinese airlines and leasing companies. Major challenges remain: achieving international certification from EASA or FAA, building a global maintenance network, and reducing reliance on Western components — particularly engines and avionics — amid US-China trade tensions.