China's COMAC C919 Takes Flight: New Era for Domestic Aviation

Air China and China Southern Airlines have received their first COMAC C919 jets, becoming the second and third carriers to operate China's homegrown passenger plane. COMAC aims to break into a market dominated by Airbus and Boeing, with a goal of producing 100 planes annually by 2030.

Air China and China Southern Airlines have added a new chapter to China's aviation history by receiving their first COMAC C919 passenger jets on Wednesday, according to state-run Chinese Central TV (CCTV).

The C919, delivered at the COMAC's Pudong base in Shanghai, seats 158 passengers, featuring eight business class and 150 economy seats. The two state-owned carriers are set to each receive two more C919 jets this year, as reported by Yicai.

With the domestic service debut in May 2022 with China Eastern, the C919 aims to rival Western manufacturers Airbus and Boeing amid aircraft shortages and the Boeing safety crisis. COMAC has made significant strides, marking its entry not only in the domestic market but also targeting Southeast Asia and Saudi Arabia, despite challenges in securing international certifications.

(With inputs from agencies.)