COMAC C919
COMAC · China · first flew 2017 · airliner
The COMAC C919 is China's first indigenously developed large single-aisle airliner, designed to compete directly with the Airbus A320neo and Boeing 737 MAX.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, swept |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × turbofan, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | A320-class single-aisle narrowbody |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- A320-class single-aisle narrowbody
- Large LEAP engines under swept wings
- Upswept blended winglets
It closely resembles an A320, so look for the modern single-aisle profile with large LEAP engines, upswept blended winglets and a conventional tail, distinguished mainly by its COMAC liveries.
Specifications
- The COMAC C919 has a length of 38.9 m (128 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 35.8 m (117 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 920 km/h (572 mph).
- Typical crew: 2 flight crew.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Launched in 2008 and first flown on 5 May 2017, the C919 entered commercial service with China Eastern Airlines in 2023. Built largely with Western systems and CFM LEAP engines, it represents China's ambition to break into the duopoly that dominates narrowbody aviation.
Variants
The C919 is currently offered as a single baseline model, with stretched and longer-range derivatives reportedly under study as the programme matures.
Where you'll see it
The C919 has not entered UK service and is not a visitor to British airports, currently operating almost exclusively on domestic Chinese routes; UK travellers would only encounter it within China.
Related aircraft
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