China’s Commercial Aircraft Corporation, COMAC, has plans to become one of the world’s leading aircraft manufacturers and take on the existing leaders, Boaing and Airbus.
China's new c919 could threaten Boeing and Airbus
At the Zhuahai Air Show on Novermber 16 2010 the Commercial Aircraft Corporation launched its new C919 aircraft. The full sized prototype looked like other typical wide bodied aircraft. It will be the first large wide body commercial airliner in the country. Thus far the company boasts pre-orders of 100 for the C919 aircraft. Among those ordering the aircraft are: Air China, China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Hainan Airlines, CDB Leasing and the US-based GECAS.
Inside China's new C919
The C919 is aimed to compete with the like of the Boeing 737 and the Airbus A320. In its economy layout the aircraft has the capacity of 168 seats. With a mixed business and economy section the configuration allows for 156 seats. It is estimated that the C919 will make its maiden flight in 2014 and deliveries are expected to arrive in 2016.