Singapore Airshow: China’s home-grown C919 passenger jet takes wing for international debut
- The C919, China’s domestically produced passenger jet, has landed and taken off in Singapore in preparation for its first international air show
- Airliner symbolises efforts to establish global presence in industry traditionally dominated by US’ Boeing and EU’s Airbus
China’s home-grown narrowbody passenger jet, the C919, took to the Singapore skies on Sunday to prepare for its first-ever international display – a move that may help its developer promote the aircraft as a viable option for overseas buyers and aid Beijing in its crusade to become a global player in aviation.
The plane, bearing the livery of manufacturer Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (Comac), had touched down at the city state’s Changi Airport a few days earlier according to the Aviation Week Network, concluding the model’s first journey outside its home country.
It will “meet the public” during this week’s Singapore Airshow 2024 and take part in “demonstrations”, said the official Xinhua News Agency.
Another C919, operated by China Eastern Airlines, arrived in Singapore early Saturday morning after a nonstop 4,200km (2,610 miles) flight that took about six hours, the airline said.
Five Comac planes will be present at the air show in total – the two C919s, as well as three ARJ21 regional jets.