China certifies homegrown C919 jet to compete with Boeing, Airbus

Airborne: certified, the C919 will allow the Chinese Comac to compete with Airbus and Boeing

The short-to-medium-haul single-aisle symbolizes China's efforts to develop its own commercial aircraft to shake the duopoly.

China certifies homegrown C919 jet to compete with Boeing, Airbus

The aircraft is China’s attempt to make a jetliner with mass commercial potential, which would lessen reliance on foreign technology.

China certifies C919 jet to compete with Airbus and Boeing

China held a ceremony on Thursday (29 September) to certify its C919 narrowbody passenger jet, photos on social media showed, representing a major milestone in the country's ambitions to challenge Airbus and Boeing in commercial aerospace.

China certifies C919 jet to compete with Airbus and Boeing

The plane, produced by state-owned manufacturer Commercial Aircraft Corp of China (COMAC), had been widely expected to be certified by the end of the month after two aircraft flew to Beijing on Sept. 13. A sign in one of the photos said "C919 aircraft type certificate issuance ceremony" in Chinese.

China certifies C919 jet to compete with Airbus and Boeing

Plane produced by state-owned manufacturer Commercial Aircraft Corp of China