The C919, China’s first self-developed single-aisle passenger jet, netted 300 new orders from seven domestic aircraft leasing companies at the 14th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition in Zhuhai, Guangdong province.
The C919 is fitted with 158-168 seats and has a maximum range of 5,555 kilometres, the same capacity as the popular Airbus A320 and Boeing 737.
The orders indicate the aircraft model has gained wider recognition after it recently received its type certificate, experts said.
The seven leasing companies signed agreements with Commercial Aircraft Corp of China, its manufacturer, during the Zhuhai Airshow, which closed on Sunday.
The companies are: China Development Bank Financial Leasing, ICBC Financial Leasing, CCB Financial Leasing, Bank of Communications Financial Leasing, CMB Financial Leasing, SPDB Financial Leasing and Jiangsu Financial Leasing.
The C919 received its type certificate, which gives the design approval, in late September from the Civil Aviation Administration of China. The first aircraft is expected to be delivered to China Eastern Airlines in December.
So far, 1,115 orders have been placed for the C919 from home and abroad.
Comparable to the Airbus A320 family aircraft and the Boeing B737 series, the C919 is predicted to break the market duopoly of Boeing and Airbus and help China’s aviation industry enter the fast lane, experts said.
The C919 was also part of the Zhuhai Airshow’s aerial display, the first time that the plane has participated in a performance at an international airshow.
Despite the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, China’s domestic air travel market is steadily picking up, and major domestic airlines have announced plans to increase the number of scheduled international flights.
US aircraft manufacturer Boeing predicted last month that by 2041, China will require 8,485 new aircraft valued at US$1.5 trillion to serve passengers and trade, representing more than one-fifth of global aircraft deliveries over the next two decades.
