The Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China, Ltd. (COMAC) has achieved a further milestone by delivering the second C919 aircraft to launch customer China Eastern Airlines.
The delivery ceremony, known as the “three certificate” issuance and delivery ceremony, took place on July 14th 2023 at the flight test complex building of Zhuqiao base.
Handover of Second C919
This event not only symbolized the collaboration between COMAC and CEA but also marked the official handover of the second C919 aircraft, registered as B-919C, to China Eastern Airlines.
The ceremony witnessed the presence of several prominent individuals, including representatives from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) East China Regional Administration. Additionally, the dedicated team from CEA, leaders from COMAC’s Assembly Manufacturing Center, and the main members of the delivery team were also in attendance.
The production journey of the second B-919C aircraft began in August 2022 with the assembly process. By February 2023, the final assembly was completed, followed by a successful production flight test phase in June 2023.
As the delivery phase commenced, the CEA awaiting team worked closely with COMAC’s delivery team, meticulously executing tasks such as aircraft appearance inspection, ground testing, delivery flight tests, CAAC inspections, and document handover.
On July 16th, the B-919C aircraft underwent a ferry flight, ensuring its safe arrival. With this successful delivery, the aircraft is now ready to commence operations on various routes for China Eastern Airlines in the near future.
China Eastern Airlines Order Schedule
China Eastern Airlines, as the launch customer for the C919, had previously received its first COMAC C919 on December 9, 2022. The aircraft, registered as B-919A, was delivered to the airline at the COMAC headquarters in Shanghai.
With a total order of five C919 aircraft, China Eastern Airlines plans to utilize them for domestic and regional routes. The inaugural commercial flight of the C919 occurred on May 28, 2023, from Shanghai to Beijing.
The C919 aircraft stands as a remarkable accomplishment within the Chinese aviation industry. Developed by COMAC, it is a narrow-body twin-engine airliner designed specifically for the commercial aviation market.
The COMAC C919
Capable of accommodating up to 168 passengers, the C919 boasts a maximum range of approximately 4,075 kilometers (2,532 miles). With advanced technology and safety features, the C919 aims to compete with international counterparts such as the Boeing 737 and the Airbus A320 series.
This recent delivery highlights the growing capabilities of COMAC as an emerging aircraft manufacturer in China. The collaboration between COMAC and China Eastern Airlines furthers the country’s position in the global aviation market.
The C919 aircraft, with its advanced design, state-of-the-art technology, and efficient performance, represents a significant leap forward for Chinese aviation.
China Eastern Airlines, headquartered in Shanghai, holds the distinction of being the second-largest airline in China in terms of passenger traffic, just after China Southern Airlines. Boasting a fleet of over 600 aircraft, the airline operates flights to more than 1,000 destinations across 170 countries and regions.
Established in 1988, China Eastern Airlines emerged from the merger of three airlines: Shanghai Airlines, China General Aviation, and Northwest Airlines.
The successful delivery of the second C919 aircraft to China Eastern Airlines demonstrates the remarkable progress made by COMAC as a leading aircraft manufacturer in China.