China certifies homegrown C919 jet to compete with Boeing, Airbus

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

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.