COMAC, or Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China, Ltd., is China’s state-owned aerospace manufacturer responsible for developing and producing commercial aircraft. Founded in 2008 and headquartered in Shanghai, COMAC plays a key role in China’s strategy to reduce reliance on Western aircraft manufacturers such as Boeing and Airbus.
Main Civil Aircraft Developed by COMAC:
1. ARJ21 (Advanced Regional Jet for the 21st Century)
- Type: Regional jet
- Capacity: 78–90 passengers
- Range: 2,225–3,700 km
- Entered Service: 2016 with Chengdu Airlines
- Purpose: Designed for China’s regional routes and high-altitude airports. Competes with the Embraer E-Jet and Bombardier CRJ families.
ARJ21 Xiangfeng
2. C919
- Type: Narrow-body jet
- Capacity: 158–174 passengers
- Range: 4,075–5,555 km
- First Flight: 2017
- Certification: Received Chinese type certification in 2022
- Entered Service: Commercial debut in 2023 with China Eastern Airlines
- Competitors: Boeing 737 MAX and Airbus A320neo
- Significance: Flagship project of COMAC and a cornerstone of China’s effort to compete in the global civil aviation market.
COMAC C919 | Rob Vogelaar
3. CRAIC CR929 (In Development)
- Joint Venture: Between COMAC and Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation (UAC)
- Type: Wide-body twin-aisle aircraft
- Capacity: 250–320 passengers
- Range: Up to 12,000 km
- Status: Development phase; originally targeted for service in the 2030s
- Goal: Compete with Boeing 787 and Airbus A330/A350 in long-haul markets
COMAC C929 | Rob Vogelaar
Strategic Importance:
COMAC represents China’s ambition to become a major player in the global aerospace industry. While early COMAC aircraft rely heavily on foreign components (e.g., engines and avionics), the company is gradually working toward greater domestic self-reliance.
COMAC C909 Family
