Get ready for a historic moment at the upcoming Singapore Airshow 2024, as the skies over South East Asia will witness the international airshow debut of the Commercial Aircraft Corp of China (COMAC) C919, China’s first modern passenger jet. Sources confirm that the airliner will fly out of China to Singapore next month for the airshow, which runs from Feb. 20 to 25.
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N509FZ, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The C919 development journey began in 2008, fueled by China’s desire to carve its own niche in the fiercely competitive world of commercial aircraft. Years of meticulous development culminated in the first prototype’s majestic roll-out in 2015, followed by its maiden flight two years later. And in May 2023, the aircraft took another giant leap, carrying its first passengers on a domestic flight, marking the official start of its commercial life.
Now, ready to face the world, COMAC will use the Singapore Airshow as its platform to showcase the capabilities of the C919 to an international audience. This narrow-body marvel, seating between 156 and 168 passengers, boasts a range of up to 3,000 nautical miles, offering airlines versatility and efficiency for regional and short-haul flights.
Yet, the C919’s significance extends beyond technical specifications. Its international debut reflects China’s growing confidence in its aerospace capabilities and its ambition to challenge established players like Airbus and Boeing. This marks a crucial step towards establishing a foothold in the global market.
Furthering this ambition, the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) has pledged during its annual working conference in Beijing last week to support in securing crucial international certifications for the C919, including the coveted approval from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). This proactive approach signals China’s dedication to ensuring the aircraft meets the highest international standards, paving the way for wider acceptance and operation.