Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) marked its return to the Paris Air Show with two strategic agreements for its in-development C929 widebody program, signaling progress in its ambition to challenge Airbus and Boeing in the long-haul aircraft market. The Shanghai-based manufacturer signed memorandums of understanding with France’s Safran and US-based Crane Aerospace & Electronics for critical aircraft systems, as it works toward finalizing the C929’s design.
Key Partnerships for Widebody Development
COMAC’s agreement with Safran covers landing gear, oxygen systems, and ice detection technology, while the Crane partnership focuses on cabin door sensors. These collaborations follow Air China’s commitment as launch customer announced at the 2024 Zhuhai Airshow, providing crucial validation for the program that remains in its design phase. The dual Western supplier strategy demonstrates COMAC’s approach to combining international expertise with domestic manufacturing capabilities.
C929 Specifications and Market Positioning
The baseline C929-700 model is designed to carry 280-440 passengers up to 12,000 kilometers, putting it in direct competition with the Airbus A350 and Boeing 787 families. COMAC’s exhibition materials revealed plans for shortened (-600) and stretched (-800) variants, though detailed specifications remain undisclosed. Industry analysts note the proposed range would enable key routes connecting China with Europe and North America, fulfilling a crucial need for Chinese carriers seeking alternatives to Western aircraft.
Expanding COMAC’s Aircraft Portfolio
At its Paris showcase, COMAC displayed its complete product lineup:
- C909 (formerly ARJ21) regional jet
- C919 narrowbody (entering service with Chinese carriers)
- C929 widebody (in development)
This three-family strategy positions COMAC as a full-spectrum aircraft manufacturer, though the C929 represents its most ambitious technical challenge to date. The company’s Paris presence underscores its determination to transition from a domestic supplier to a global aerospace player.
Certification and Production Timeline
While COMAC has not announced a firm timeline for C929 certification, aviation experts estimate entry into service around 2030 based on current development progress. The manufacturer faces significant hurdles in establishing international certification for the widebody, particularly given current geopolitical tensions surrounding aviation technology transfer. However, strategic partnerships with established suppliers like Safran could facilitate smoother regulatory approval processes.
Global Market Ambitions
COMAC’s Paris exhibition represents a deliberate effort to build international recognition beyond its mainland Chinese customer base. The company faces challenges convincing non-Chinese carriers to consider its aircraft, particularly given the C919’s current limitation to domestic operations. However, growing interest from developing markets and airlines seeking alternatives to Airbus and Boeing duopoly could create opportunities for the C929 in the next decade.
