Chinese regulators have approved the country's first domestically produced large passenger jet, local media said, with Beijing hoping the plane will challenge foreign models such as the Boeing 737 MAX and Airbus A320.

The C919 narrow-body jet, built by state-owned Commercial Aircraft Corp of China (COMAC), was certified at Beijing Capital Airport in an official ceremony Thursday, according to reports and social media pictures.

The aircraft is China's attempt to make a jetliner with mass commercial potential, which would lessen reliance on foreign technology -- although most of the C919's parts come from overseas suppliers.

China is home to the world's second-biggest aviation market and state carriers have enthusiastically supported the jet, despite it not having received the green light from US and European regulators yet.

The plane also requires a further licence to enter mass production.

China Eastern Airlines, the country's second-largest carrier by passenger numbers, said in May it planned to introduce four C919s into its fleet.

Chinese media reported that the aircraft will be delivered to China Eastern by the end of this year, aiming to go into operation during the first quarter of 2023.

COMAC said on its website that there have been 815 orders from 28 customers.

The COMAC ARJ21 regional jet, a predecessor of the C919 which carries up to 90 passengers, came into commercial operation in 2008 after a lengthy development period.

Several Chinese airlines have ordered more than 300 Airbus jets so far this year, the European firm said.

The Boeing 737 MAX has been grounded in China since 2019 after two fatal crashes.

In July, Boeing expressed optimism that it would be approved for delivery by Chinese regulators this year.

However, lingering US-China trade tensions and China's worst commercial air disaster earlier this year involving a Boeing 737-800 have slowed progress.

Beijing also sanctioned Boeing's top defence executive earlier this month for its involvement in US arms sales to Taiwan, which it claims as its own territory.

Related Links
Aerospace News at SpaceMart.com

Tweet

Thanks for being here; We need your help. The SpaceDaily news network continues to grow but revenues have never been harder to maintain. With the rise of Ad Blockers, and Facebook - our traditional revenue sources via quality network advertising continues to decline. And unlike so many other news sites, we don't have a paywall - with those annoying usernames and passwords. Our news coverage takes time and effort to publish 365 days a year. If you find our news sites informative and useful then please consider becoming a regular supporter or for now make a one off contribution.
SpaceDaily Contributor $5 Billed Once credit card or paypal		SpaceDaily Monthly Supporter $5 Billed Monthly paypal only

Blainjett's Hemi-Rotor aero concept could inspire a new generation of vertical lift technology
Lewes DE (SPX) Sep 29, 2022
Blainjett Aviation, an innovative aerodynamic propulsion technology startup, reports that initial testing of its hemi-rotor aerodynamic concept has confirmed its potential to deliver faster, more efficient performance in VTOL aircraft. Subscale tests demonstrated the novel configuration's net positive lift and low drag through the ascent/hover, cruise and descent/hover phases of flight. "If our lab testing continues on its current trajectory," Zachary says, "we believe our [hemi-rotor configured] ... read more