Comac announces new orders and partnerships at Zhuhai Airshow

Policy

Airbus A380 | Airbus

By Sky Industry News

Nov 17, 2024

The Zhuhai Airshow, formally known as the China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition, commenced on November 12, 2024. China's Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) was a central participant in this significant event. The company showcased its C919 and C909 models, marking an important milestone in its efforts to strengthen its position in the global aviation market.

At the airshow, COMAC confirmed substantial aircraft orders from both new and existing clients. Hainan Airlines announced a major order for 60 C919 aircraft and 40 C909 aircraft (ARJ21-700), reflecting a revision of their earlier framework agreement signed in April 2023. Urumqi Airlines, a subsidiary of Hainan Airlines, will acquire 40 C909 aircraft instead of the initially planned 30 C919s. The total value of this order is estimated at $1.52 billion.

Colorful Guizhou Airlines also placed an order for 30 C909 aircraft—20 confirmed and 10 under a letter of intent—as part of their strategy to enhance their regional network within southwestern China. The airline expressed its dedication to integrating "air travel and tourism in Guizhou Province" through this partnership with COMAC.

Get the Newsletter

Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News

By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

COMAC revealed that it is rebranding the ARJ21 as the C909 to align with international markets better. Zhang Xiaoguang, COMAC’s Marketing Director, stated: “The decision to rebrand ARJ21 as C909 is a result of careful consideration and feedback, to make it more easily identifiable and associated with China and COMAC.”

Air China signed a framework agreement to become the launch customer for COMAC's next-generation wide-body aircraft, the C929. Liu Yan from COMAC commented: “Determining the first customer is a significant milestone for any new aircraft. Air China’s involvement provides tremendous momentum for the C929’s development and global promotion.”

In addition to these developments, COMAC has engaged in strategic collaborations aimed at enhancing its technological capabilities. A partnership with Ruijin Hospital was formed to develop a specialized medical version of the C909 equipped with advanced ICU facilities for emergency services.

COMAC has also partnered with Hong Kong Polytechnic University to establish a Large Aircraft Research Institute focused on innovation in aerospace technology. Furthermore, an agreement with Canadian flight simulation company CAE will provide four full-motion flight simulators for training pilots on the C919 and C909 models.

These activities highlight COMAC's expanding role in aviation both domestically and internationally as it seeks to integrate into global markets while ensuring reliable service infrastructure.