Comac C909
The Comac C909 is a twin-engine, narrow-body regional jet airliner developed and produced by the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (Comac), designed for short- to medium-haul routes with a seating capacity of 78 to 97 passengers and a maximum range of 3,700 kilometers.[1] Powered by two General Electric CF34-10A turbofan engines, it features a conventional layout with a swept supercritical wing, a T-tail configuration, and advanced avionics compliant with international civil aviation standards.[2][3] Originally initiated in 2002 as the ARJ21 (Advanced Regional Jet for the 21st Century) under the ACAC consortium, the program was reorganized under Comac in 2009 and achieved its first flight on November 28, 2008.[4] The aircraft received its type certificate from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) on December 30, 2014, followed by the production certificate on July 9, 2017, marking China's first independently developed regional jet with full intellectual property rights.[1] In November 2024, Comac rebranded the ARJ21 as the C909 to unify its commercial aircraft nomenclature alongside models like the C919, aligning with the "COMAC + Model" naming system.[5] Development emphasized fuel efficiency, low operating costs, and adaptability for regional networks, with the aircraft entering commercial service in June 2016.[6] The C909 measures 33.46 meters in length, with a wingspan of 27.29 meters and a height of 8.44 meters, accommodating a maximum takeoff weight of approximately 40,500 kilograms.[7] Its cabin offers a width of 3.1 meters and configurable layouts, including single-class setups for 90 passengers with 31-inch seat pitch. Key performance includes a cruise speed of Mach 0.78, a service ceiling of 11,900 meters, and fuel capacity supporting the standard range of 2,225 kilometers in high-density configuration, extendable to 3,700 kilometers with fewer seats.[1] Variants include the baseline C909-700 for 78-90 seats and stretched options up to 97 seats, with features like composite materials for weight reduction and fly-by-wire controls for enhanced safety and efficiency.[2] Operationally, the C909 has primarily served domestic Chinese routes, with Chengdu Airlines as the launch customer operating the first revenue flight in 2016; by mid-2025, over 170 units were in service across operators like OTT Airlines and Tibet Airlines.[3] International expansion began in 2023 with Indonesia's TransNusa as the first foreign operator, followed by the aircraft's maiden international flight from Shanghai to Singapore on July 1, 2025.[6] Notable orders include 40 units each from Hainan Airlines and Urumqi Air in November 2024, and a significant deal with Cambodia Angkor Air for up to 10 aircraft in September 2025, highlighting growing Southeast Asian interest despite challenges like U.S. export restrictions on engines and components.[8][9] However, a short-term lease of two C909s by Vietnam's Vietjet Air ended in October 2025 after six months, citing operational adjustments.[10] As of November 2025, the fleet has accumulated millions of flight hours, demonstrating reliability in regional markets while Comac pursues further certifications and export growth.[11]Development
Program origins and launch
The development of the Comac C909 originated from China's strategic objectives for aviation self-reliance in the early 2000s, as the nation aimed to cultivate an independent commercial aircraft sector amid rapid economic growth and expanding air travel needs. The program was initiated in March 2002 as the ARJ21 (Advanced Regional Jet for the 21st Century) under the ACAC consortium, with Comac taking over in 2008.[12] In November 2024, Comac rebranded the ARJ21 as the C909 to unify its commercial aircraft nomenclature alongside models like the C919, aligning with the "COMAC + Model" naming system.[5] The aircraft targets a seating configuration of 78 to 97 passengers for short- to medium-range operations, bridging the segment between smaller regional jets and larger narrowbodies. Between 2003 and 2008, the program forged essential partnerships, including with AVIC for airframe development and integration, alongside international collaborators for propulsion and systems; the engines selected were the General Electric CF34-10A turbofans to deliver optimized performance and fuel economy.[13] The program was backed by state investment and engaged thousands of engineers, highlighting its role as a cornerstone of China's aerospace industrialization drive. The conceptual design was finalized in the mid-2000s, integrating supercritical wing technology to improve aerodynamic efficiency and reduce operating costs, setting the foundation for the aircraft's technical viability.[14]Testing and certification
The prototype of the Comac C909, originally developed under the ARJ21 designation, was rolled out on December 21, 2007, at the manufacturer's Pudong facility in Shanghai, marking the culmination of initial assembly and ground testing phases.[1] This event initiated the aircraft's path toward airworthiness validation, with early static and systems checks confirming structural integrity ahead of flight trials. The maiden flight occurred on November 28, 2008, lasting approximately 1 hour and 31 minutes, during which the aircraft validated basic aerodynamic performance, stability, and control systems under the supervision of the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC).[15] Subsequent test campaigns expanded the flight envelope progressively, incorporating envelope expansion efforts in 2009–2010 to explore speed, altitude, and maneuver limits, followed by systems integration testing in 2011–2013 that integrated avionics, hydraulics, and environmental controls. By the time of certification, the program had accumulated over 5,000 hours of flight testing across six prototypes, including high-altitude evaluations reaching up to 12,000 meters in western China and simulations of extreme weather conditions such as icing and turbulence.[16] Key milestones encompassed 300 ground tests and 528 demonstration flights, with dedicated noise and emissions compliance trials in 2013–2014 confirming adherence to International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Chapter 4 standards for regional jets.[17] The CAAC granted type certification to the C909 on December 30, 2014, following the resolution of numerous special conditions related to novel design elements like its composite materials and flight control software, enabling the issuance of the first production certificate on July 9, 2017.[1] As of November 2025, validation of this certification by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) remains in progress, with ongoing bilateral agreements between CAAC and EASA addressing additional requirements for international operations.[11]Production and entry into service
The production facility for the Comac C909 was established at Comac's Shanghai plant, with a second line opening in 2020 to increase capacity; by 2025, annual output targeted 50 aircraft to support growing domestic and international demand.[18][19] This setup followed the aircraft's certification by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), enabling the transition from prototyping to full-scale manufacturing. As of April 2025, there were 386 outstanding orders. The first production C909 was delivered to launch customer Chengdu Airlines on November 29, 2015. Entry into service occurred on June 28, 2016, with the inaugural revenue flight operating from Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport to Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport, carrying 78 passengers on a route emphasizing regional connectivity.[20] The C909's supply chain achieved 60% domestic sourcing by 2024, reducing reliance on foreign components and bolstering China's aerospace self-sufficiency. Key suppliers included AVIC for landing gear systems and Lingyun Industrial Corporation for composite materials used in the airframe.[14] The passenger-to-freighter (P2F) conversion program was established in May 2020 and received CAAC approval in January 2023 to offer versatile kits for cargo operations.[21]Design
Airframe and structure
The Comac C909 is configured as a twin-engine, low-wing monoplane featuring a conventional T-tail assembly. Its fuselage measures 33.46 meters in length, with a wingspan of 27.28 meters and an overall height of 8.44 meters, providing a compact regional jet design optimized for short- to medium-haul routes.[13] The maximum takeoff weight stands at 40,500 kg, supporting efficient operations on regional networks.[22] The airframe primarily utilizes aluminum alloys for the fuselage and primary structure, supplemented by approximately 2-3% composite materials, including carbon fiber reinforced polymers in the winglets and tail sections. This limited integration of composites contributes to weight savings compared to traditional all-metal designs while maintaining structural durability.[23] The pressurized cabin supports 78 to 97 passengers in a standard 2+3 abreast seating layout, ensuring comfortable regional travel with provisions for single-aisle access.[1] Aerodynamically, the C909 employs a supercritical wing profile with a 25-degree sweep angle and integrated winglets, enhancing the lift-to-drag ratio during cruise for improved fuel efficiency. High-lift devices, such as leading-edge slats and trailing-edge flaps, are incorporated to facilitate short-field performance and low-speed handling.[24] The overall structure has been certified by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) to standards harmonized with FAR Part 25, demonstrating integrity under 2.5g maneuvers and resistance to bird strikes through rigorous ground and flight testing.[25]Propulsion and performance features
The Comac C909 regional jet is powered by two General Electric CF34-10A high-bypass turbofan engines, each rated at 78.5 kN (17,640 lbf) of thrust, mounted at the rear of the fuselage.[13] These engines incorporate a bypass ratio of 5:1, which enhances propulsive efficiency for short- to medium-haul operations.[26] The aircraft's fuel system includes integral tanks in the wings and a center tank in the fuselage, providing a maximum usable fuel capacity of 10,386 kg (approximately 12,982 liters at standard density).[24] Key performance characteristics include a normal cruise speed of Mach 0.78 (about 828 km/h or 447 kn) at an altitude of around 10,660 m (35,000 ft).[13] The maximum range is 3,700 km with 78 passengers and reserves, extending to shorter distances of 2,225 km when configured for a full load of 97 passengers, reflecting optimized trade-offs for regional routes.[1] Takeoff field length required is 1,700 m at maximum takeoff weight and sea level under standard conditions, while landing field length is 1,600 m; the service ceiling reaches 11,900 m (39,000 ft), enabling efficient operations over varied terrain.[27] Fuel efficiency benefits from the CF34-10A's design, including chevron nozzles on the exhaust that reduce jet noise by mixing core and bypass flows more effectively, while maintaining competitive consumption rates comparable to contemporaries like the Embraer E-Jet family.[28] Overall, the propulsion system supports about 15-20% lower fuel burn per seat compared to older-generation regional jets like the Fokker 100, driven by the engine's pressure ratio and advanced materials.[29] Aircraft range performance can be approximated using the Breguet range equation for jet aircraft: R = \frac{V}{c} \cdot \frac{L}{D} \cdot \ln\left(\frac{W_0}{W_1}\right) where V is cruise speed, c is specific fuel consumption (SFC), L/D is the lift-to-drag ratio, W_0 is initial weight, and W_1 is final weight. For the C909, typical values—such as V \approx 240 m/s, c \approx 0.55 mg/N·s, L/D \approx 17, and a fuel fraction yielding \ln(W_0 / W_1) \approx 0.3—result in an estimated range of around 3,000 km for a standard mission with 80 passengers.[13]Avionics and cabin
The Comac C909 employs the Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 avionics suite for its flight deck, which integrates advanced digital communication, navigation, and surveillance capabilities to enhance operational efficiency.[13] This system includes components such as the VHF-4000 voice and data transceiver for reliable air-ground communications and the IRU-4000 digital inertial reference unit for precise positioning and attitude data.[13] The avionics architecture utilizes Ethernet-based local area networking (LAN) for high-speed data exchange, supporting system growth and flexibility in a modular design. The cockpit features liquid crystal display (LCD) panels with bus technology, enabling integrated multifunctional displays for primary flight, navigation, and engine indications.[24] Standard safety systems within the suite encompass weather radar for hazard detection, traffic collision avoidance system (TCAS) for mid-air conflict resolution, and enhanced ground proximity warning system (EGPWS) for terrain avoidance.[13] The flight control system operates on an electrical signaling basis with hydraulic power actuation, forming a fly-by-wire configuration that improves responsiveness and reduces mechanical complexity compared to traditional cable systems.[24] The passenger cabin of the C909 supports flexible configurations ranging from 78 seats in a two-class layout to 90 seats in an all-economy arrangement, arranged in a 3-2 abreast seating with economy class pitch of 79 cm and seat width of 43 cm.[5][30] The interior dimensions include a cabin width of 3.1 m and height of 2.0 m, providing adequate space for regional operations while maintaining a narrow-body profile.[31] Recent variants incorporate lightweight economy seats with advanced recline mechanisms for improved passenger comfort, and some operators offer optional in-flight entertainment systems with Wi-Fi connectivity for enhanced onboard experience.[32] The design emphasizes ergonomic accessibility, with overhead storage bins optimized for carry-on luggage in high-density setups.[33]Variants
Passenger models
The Comac C909 passenger models encompass the standard (STD) and extended-range (ER) configurations, both optimized for efficient regional air travel with a seating capacity of 78 to 97 passengers in a five-abreast layout.[1][34] The C909 STD variant accommodates 78 to 97 passengers and provides a standard range of 2,225 km, suiting it for high-frequency short-haul routes such as those connecting tier-2 and tier-3 cities in China.[1][6] The C909 ER variant, featuring auxiliary fuel tanks, supports 78 seats with an extended range of 3,700 km to facilitate trans-regional operations over greater distances.[35][1] These models offer seating flexibility through configurable interiors, enabling a two-class setup with 12 business-class seats and 66 economy seats or an all-economy arrangement for up to 97 passengers in high-density configuration, depending on operator requirements.[36][34]Specialized conversions
The Comac C909 has been adapted into several specialized variants to serve non-passenger roles, including business aviation, cargo transport, medical evacuation, and emergency response. These conversions leverage the aircraft's baseline regional jet design, which features a range of up to 3,700 km and compatibility with short runways, while incorporating modifications for specific operational needs.[1] The C909 CBJ (Comac Business Jet) is a corporate variant designed for executive transport, featuring a VIP interior configuration that supports 19 to 25 passengers in a luxurious layout with extended range capabilities through auxiliary fuel tanks and reduced weight optimizations. Unveiled at the 2021 China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition, the CBJ maintains the core airframe but includes enhanced soundproofing, custom cabins, and advanced connectivity systems to meet business jet standards. Although initial deliveries were anticipated in the mid-2020s, the variant remains in development phases with partnerships like Fokker Services for interior completions, targeting private operators in Asia.[37][38] In the cargo sector, the C909 CCF (Comac Converted Freighter) represents a passenger-to-freighter (P2F) program initiated in 2020, with certification from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) achieved in January 2023. This variant offers a maximum payload of 10 tonnes and a range of 2,778 km, equipped with a large electric cargo door, reinforced flooring, and compatibility with standard containers such as PMC, PAG, and AKE. The first two conversions, based on pre-2018 passenger airframes, were delivered in October 2023 to YTO Cargo Airlines and China Central Longhao Airlines by Guangzhou Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Company (GAMECO), in collaboration with Comac; these aircraft are optimized for regional e-commerce and express freight routes, particularly in high-altitude environments. The retrofit process preserves approximately 95% of the original structure, focusing on minimal invasive modifications to the fuselage and systems for cost efficiency.[39][40][41] The C909 EMJ (Emergency Medical Jet), also known as the medical rescue variant, provides air ambulance capabilities with modular interiors divided into a medical expert zone, support crew area, and intensive care unit. Certified by the CAAC, it accommodates six sets of convertible double-tiered lightweight stretchers in the crew zones for up to 12 patients, alongside dedicated ICU space for 2 critical cases and medical equipment, and maintains a 10-tonne payload for supply transport over 3,700 km. The first unit was delivered in September 2025 to China Flying Dragon General Aviation for emergency services, enhancing rapid response in remote and high-altitude regions; this configuration supports both patient evacuation and on-board treatment during flights.[42][43][44] Additional proposals include emergency response adaptations, such as the firefighting variant (FFJ), which incorporates water or retardant dispensing systems for aerial suppression and monitoring. In February 2024, an investment group in Henan province ordered six ARJ21-based units (rebranded as C909) for firefighting and disaster relief, with designs emphasizing high-altitude performance up to 14,500 feet and crosswind resilience for operations in challenging terrains; these remain in early production stages without confirmed deliveries as of November 2025.[45][46]Operational history
Domestic introduction
The Comac C909, rebranded from the ARJ21 in November 2024, entered commercial service in China on June 28, 2016, with its inaugural revenue flight operated by Chengdu Airlines from Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport to Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport. This marked the beginning of domestic operations for China's first indigenously developed regional jet, designed to enhance connectivity in the country's vast interior regions. By the end of 2024, the fleet had accumulated approximately 194,000 flight hours across domestic routes, demonstrating steady operational maturation. As of November 2025, the C909 fleet has exceeded 170 aircraft in service and accumulated over 580,000 flight hours.[6][47][48] Domestic fleet expansion accelerated in the following years, with operators including Chengdu Airlines, OTT Airlines (a subsidiary of China Eastern Airlines), and Tibet Airlines taking delivery of aircraft to support regional networks. By mid-2025, over 170 C909 aircraft were in active service within China, primarily serving state-owned carriers focused on trunk and feeder routes. Early adoption was bolstered by deliveries to these airlines, enabling the integration of the jet into high-frequency short-haul operations. Government subsidies under the "Made in China 2025" initiative provided financial incentives for procurement and operations, aligning with national goals for aviation self-reliance and reducing import dependence.[49][50] Initial operations faced teething issues, including supply chain disruptions for components and lower dispatch reliability rates around 97% in 2018 due to certification and integration challenges. These were largely resolved by 2024 through improved supply management and engineering refinements, achieving the design target of 99.5% dispatch reliability. The C909's short-field performance has enabled service to over 50 domestic airports, with a emphasis on tier-2 and tier-3 cities featuring shorter runways and challenging terrain, such as high-plateau routes in western China. This network expansion has supported economic development in underserved areas by providing reliable regional air links.[51][52][5]International operations and challenges
The Comac C909 achieved its maiden international flight on July 1, 2025, operating from Hohhot to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, operated by Air China, marking the aircraft's initial foray beyond Chinese borders and demonstrating its viability for regional cross-border routes.[6] This debut built on the solid domestic operational experience within China, where the C909 had accumulated significant flight hours since entering service. A significant milestone in international expansion came on September 10, 2025, when Air Cambodia (formerly Cambodia Angkor Air) announced an order for 20 C909 aircraft, comprising 10 firm orders and 10 under letters of intent, positioning it as the largest overseas commitment for the type to date.[9][53] The deal underscores Comac's targeted push into Southeast Asia, where the C909 has seen adoption by multiple carriers, including TransNusa in Indonesia as the first international operator, followed by Lao Airlines receiving its initial aircraft in March 2025 and commencing operations in April.[54] Further regional interest materialized with Vietjet Air becoming the third non-Chinese operator in April 2025, leasing two C909s for domestic Vietnamese routes from April to October.[55] However, the lease concluded without renewal due to persistent maintenance challenges, high operating costs associated with foreign crews, and inadequate local support infrastructure.[10] Despite these advances, the C909 faces substantial hurdles in broader international markets. Delays in European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certification, now projected no earlier than 2028, have restricted sales and operations in Europe by preventing seamless integration into Western-regulated fleets.[11] Additionally, escalating US-China geopolitical tensions, including export controls on key components and broader trade frictions, have limited adoption in politically sensitive markets, compelling Comac to prioritize Belt and Road Initiative partners in Asia and beyond.[56][57] In operational contexts abroad, such as initial Cambodian routes, the aircraft has required modifications for tropical humidity and high temperatures to maintain reliability, though specific performance metrics remain closely tied to operator adaptations.[58]Operators
Current and former operators
As of November 2025, the Comac C909 is primarily operated by Chinese regional and mainline carriers serving domestic and short-haul Asian routes, with a total active fleet of over 170 aircraft, all in passenger variants.[49][59] Air China is the largest operator with at least 35 C909s, based across multiple hubs including Beijing and Hohhot, deploying them on regional routes including the first international service to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, in July 2025.[60] Chengdu Airlines, the launch customer, maintains a fleet of approximately 30 aircraft at Chengdu Tianfu International Airport, utilizing the type for efficient operations across southwestern China, including mountainous terrain routes that benefit from the C909's performance characteristics.[61] China Eastern Airlines, including its subsidiary OTT Airlines, operates around 27 C909s based at Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport, deploying them on high-frequency routes to secondary cities in eastern China to connect underserved markets.[61] Other Chinese operators include Tibet Airlines with about 5 aircraft at Lhasa Gonggar Airport, supporting high-altitude operations in western China and potential cross-border services; China Southern Airlines; and China Express Airlines. Internationally, Indonesia's TransNusa, the first foreign operator since 2023, runs several C909s on routes connecting Indonesia to China, including Jakarta-Denpasar and Manado-Shanghai services as of November 2025.[62][63] Lao Airlines operates at least one C909, introduced in April 2025 for domestic and regional flights.[64] Cambodia Angkor Air (now Air Cambodia) received its first C909 delivery in the fourth quarter of 2025, basing the aircraft at Phnom Penh International Airport to expand regional connectivity in Southeast Asia, with initial focus on flights to neighboring countries like Thailand and Vietnam.[53] Interest from Southeast Asian low-cost carriers remains, though adoption has been gradual due to certification and maintenance considerations.[9] The sole former operator is Vietjet Air, which leased 2 C909s from Chengdu Airlines for a six-month trial starting in April 2025 but returned them in October 2025 citing integration challenges with existing fleet systems and operational inefficiencies on low-cost routes.[65] These operators collectively emphasize the C909's role in enhancing regional networks, particularly for point-to-point services to smaller airports where larger jets are less viable.Orders and delivery status
As of November 2025, Comac has secured over 550 firm orders for the C909 regional jet, with over 170 aircraft delivered.[66][59] Among the key orders, Chinese carriers dominate, with commitments exceeding 500 units from operators including Air China, Chengdu Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, and recent additions such as 40 from Urumqi Air (a Hainan Airlines subsidiary) and 30 from Colorful Guizhou Airlines in November 2024.[8][67] Additionally, Cambodia's Angkor Air has placed a firm order for 10 aircraft with letters of intent for 10 more (up to 20 total), with initial deliveries beginning in the fourth quarter of 2025.[9][53][68] The current backlog stands at approximately 386 aircraft, valued at several billion dollars, bolstered by options from ongoing negotiations with Southeast Asian and other airlines.[66] Delivery progress has accelerated, with around 50 aircraft handed over in 2025 alone, contributing to the cumulative total exceeding 170 by November. No major cancellations have been reported, though a minor setback occurred with VietJet Air's non-renewal of a short-term lease for two C909s after six months of operation.[10][69][70]Specifications
General characteristics
The Comac C909 is a regional jet airliner developed by the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC), designed primarily for short- to medium-haul operations with a baseline configuration accommodating 78 to 97 passengers.[1] It operates with a flight crew of two pilots and typically two cabin crew members to support passenger services.[14] Key physical dimensions include an overall length of 33.5 meters, a wingspan of 27.3 meters, a height of 8.4 meters, and a cabin width of 3.1 meters, enabling a standard single-aisle layout with five-abreast seating.[31] The aircraft's operating empty weight is approximately 25,000 kg, with a maximum takeoff weight of 40,500 kg for the standard variant (STD) and 43,500 kg for the extended-range variant (ER). The maximum landing weight stands at 37,665 kg for the STD and 40,455 kg for the ER.[71] Fuel capacity is 10,386 kg, while the cargo hold provides about 20 m³ of volume.[72][73] Construction primarily utilizes aluminum alloys for the fuselage and wings, supplemented by composite materials accounting for roughly 2% of the airframe to enhance weight efficiency in non-critical areas.[74] Variant-specific adjustments, such as increased weights for extended-range models, modify these baseline figures slightly.| Characteristic | Specification |
|---|---|
| Crew | 2 pilots + 2 cabin crew |
| Passenger capacity | 78–97 |
| Length | 33.5 m |
| Wingspan | 27.3 m |
| Height | 8.4 m |
| Cabin width | 3.1 m |
| Operating empty weight | 25,000 kg |
| Maximum takeoff weight | 40,500 kg (STD); 43,500 kg (ER) |
| Maximum landing weight | 37,665 kg (STD); 40,455 kg (ER) |
| Fuel capacity | 10,386 kg |
| Cargo volume | 20 m³ |