COMAC announces C929 launch customer

On the first day of the Zhuhai Air Show, COMAC announced the launch customer for its new widebody aircraft, the C929, will be Air China. Not communicated was the number of aircraft the airline will operate and when deliveries are expected to start.

The C929, which is currently in its preliminary design stage, will be COMAC's answer on the Airbus A330neo and Boeing B787. It will have a capacity of around 280 passengers and a range of up to 12,000 km. According to earlier statements, COMAC plans to start production of the prototype in 2027.

In 2023, COMAC took full ownership of the C929 programme, which was previously named the CR929 and a joint-venture with UAC from Russia.

The Chinese manufacturer is also working on the C939, which will be a direct competitor to the A350 and B777. This aircraft was announced in May this year but no timelines have been communicated about when it should be in service.

Illustration by COMAC.