China unveils the COMAC C-919
Hong Kong, China - It will be Airbus and Boeing's rival
(WAPA) - China unveiled today the COMAC C-919 that will be the largest airliner built in the country, during the "Asian Aerospace 2009" air show underway in Hong Kong from today until Thursday September 10 (see AVIONEWS). This aircraft demonstrates China's intention to heavily enter the commercial aviation sector.
This airplane aims to break the current duopoly Boeing-Airbus concerning large airliners. "We still have a long way to go in comparison with those aviation industry superpowers such as the USA", COMAC (Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China) assistant general manager explained.
According to the manufacturer, the new airplane will carry from 168 to 190 passengers and its first flight is expected to take place in 2014. First deliveries are scheduled for 2016. COMAC also announced that by 2009 it will chose the supplier for the engines of the new aircraft.
