China’s domestically developed aircraft C919 is expected to make its maiden flight in the first half of 2017, China News Service reported on Monday, citing a source from the Commercial Aircraft Corp of China (COMAC).
After rolling off the assembly line and completing a series of tests, the aircraft has entered the final phase of preparation before the first flight, the source said.
C919 aircraft rolls off assembly line in Shanghai on November 2, 2015. /CFP Photo
COMAC has already reportedly received 570 orders for the C919 from 23 customers. Shanghai-based China Eastern Airlines confirmed that it will be the first customer to take delivery of the C919.
China’s self-made C919 aircraft makes first global debut in Shanghai on November 2, 2015. /CFP Photo
The C919 aircraft, designed to accommodate over 150 passenger seats, is a narrow-body plane. Its main rivals on the market will include the Airbus 320 and Boeing 737. The COMAC also plans to start developing wide-body aircrafts in 2017.
