China is preparing to shift the balance in the global aviation industry. The country has accelerated its efforts to develop wide-body aircraft, challenging the long-standing dominance of Airbus and Boeing. This strategic move is not just a commercial initiative but also a demonstration of technological strength.
The state-owned Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (Comac) has already achieved significant success with its C919 model, which has received hundreds of orders. Now, the company is setting its sights even higher: developing wide-body aircraft suitable for long-haul flights. With its new models, the C929 and C939, Comac aims to compete in this segment and showcase China’s power on the international stage.
Professor David Yu, an expert in aviation finance at New York University Shanghai, emphasizes that wide-body aircraft projects are not only commercially significant but also serve as a symbol of a country’s technological capability and global status. Through this initiative, China aims to meet growing domestic demand while securing a strong position in the global market.
Comac’s Flagship: A Major Step in 2027
China’s rising aviation star, Comac, was established in 2008 to implement Beijing’s long-term aviation strategy. Following the success of the C919, the company has set out to produce larger and more technologically advanced aircraft.
Wei Yingbiao, Comac’s former Deputy General Manager, made notable statements at a forum held in Harbin last December. “Design work on the C929 and C939 models is ongoing. Additionally, we aim to develop next-generation aircraft, including electric, hydrogen, and hybrid models in the future,” Wei said.
The C929’s key features have already made a significant impact in the aviation industry. With a capacity of 440 passengers and a range of 12,000 kilometers, the aircraft is designed to directly compete with the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and Airbus A350. The prototype development is progressing, and the first major components are scheduled for delivery in 2027.
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