China’s Comac Secures More Than 100 Aircraft Orders at Zhuhai Air Show

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A C929 model displayed at the Zhuhai International Air Show on Nov. 10, 2024.

China’s state-owned aircraft manufacturer Commercial Aircraft Corp. of China Ltd. (Comac) on Tuesday announced more than 100 aircraft orders at the opening of the biennial Zhuhai International Air Show.

The new orders, which include an additional 60 C919s for the HNA Group, push cumulative orders of China’s first domestically developed large commercial jet past 1,200.

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Comac announced over 100 new aircraft orders at the Zhuhai Air Show, bringing total orders for its C919 jet to over 1,200. HNA Group plans to transition its Jinpeng Airline fleet to C919 jets.
Comac aims to increase production from 10 to 50 aircraft annually amid supply chain challenges, while its regional ARJ21 was rebranded as the C909, with notable deals and its first international flight.
Comac's upcoming C929 wide-body jet will challenge Boeing and Airbus with Air China as its first operator. China is projected to lead the air transport market by 2043 with substantial fleet expansion.

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Who’s Who

Commercial Aircraft Corp. of China Ltd. (Comac): Commercial Aircraft Corp. of China Ltd. (Comac) is a state-owned aircraft manufacturer in China. It recently announced over 100 aircraft orders at the Zhuhai International Air Show, with the C919 accumulating more than 1,200 orders. Comac plans to enhance production from 10 to 50 aircraft annually. It also rebranded its ARJ21 as the C909 and is advancing its C929 wide-body jet program, aiming to rival Boeing and Airbus. The C929 is set for long-haul international routes.

HNA Group: HNA Group has increased its orders for the C919, planning to switch its Jinpeng Airline fleet to these domestically produced aircraft over the next three to four years. Previously ordering 40 C919s, HNA now ordered an additional 60. They also ordered 40 C909 jets. This reflects growing confidence in China's aviation capabilities and Comac's increasing production.

Jinpeng Airline: Jinpeng Airline, part of the HNA Group, plans to transition its entire fleet to Comac's domestically produced C919 aircraft within three to four years. This move highlights increasing confidence among Chinese airlines in the C919's capabilities.

Colorful Guizhou Airlines: Colorful Guizhou Airlines signed an agreement for 30 C909 jets with Comac, including 20 confirmed orders. The C909 aircraft seats 78 to 97 passengers and operates in domestic regions like Xinjiang and international markets such as Southeast Asia.

TransNusa: TransNusa is an airline that operated the first international flight with Comac's C909 aircraft on October 29, covering the route between Manado and Guangzhou. This flight marks the longest commercial journey made by the C909 to date.

Boeing: The article mentions Boeing as an industry giant that Comac aims to compete with in the wide-body jet market through its C929 program. The C929 is positioned to rival long-haul international route offerings similar to those from Boeing.

Airbus: The article mentions that Comac's C929 program aims to compete with industry giants like Airbus and Boeing in the wide-body jet market. Additionally, China is expected to become the largest air transport market by 2043, which could pose increased competition for Airbus and other global aircraft manufacturers, as Comac expands its market presence with new jetliners.

Air China: Air China has signed a framework agreement to become the first operator of Comac's C929, a wide-body jet designed for long-haul international routes. This move mirrors China Eastern Airlines’ pioneering role with the C919.

China Eastern Airlines: China Eastern Airlines played a pioneering role with the C919; it was one of the first operators of this domestically developed aircraft. Comac's C929 program also plans to mirror this, with Air China set as the first operator, continuing the trend of major Chinese carriers leading in adopting Comac's innovations.

Rolls-Royce: The article mentions that Comac is reportedly favoring Rolls-Royce as a potential engine supplier for its C929 program. This program involves the development of a wide-body jet intended to compete with major industry players like Boeing and Airbus.

CFM International: CFM International is mentioned as a potential engine supplier for Comac's C929 wide-body jet, alongside Rolls-Royce. The C929 program aims to compete with industry leaders Boeing and Airbus, and Comac is considering these suppliers as part of its development strategy.

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