China Targets US Boeing with Production of Long-Haul Passenger Aircraft CR929

Design of Long-Range Large Aircraft CR929 Over 10,000 km Completed with Russia
China to Launch Commercial Flights of Medium-Large C919 by Year-End Following Small-Medium ARJ21

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Jo Young-shin] China will begin prototype production of the long-range passenger aircraft (CR929) this year. The aircraft, jointly developed by China and Russia, is reported to have a maximum flight range of 12,000 km.

According to Chinese media such as Pengpai and Global Times on the 25th, China's state-owned aircraft manufacturer COMAC will produce the long-range passenger aircraft jointly developed with Russia.

Long-range large aircraft CR929 under development in China (Photo by Baidu)

Yang Zhijiang, COMAC's chief research officer, said, "Entering prototype production means that the entire design, including aircraft design, size, components, and operating systems, has been completed."

China and Russia aim to develop this aircraft, initially use it in China and Russia, and then sell it to airlines worldwide.

The aircraft is designed as a wide-body twin-aisle type, capable of carrying 280 passengers, with a maximum flight range of around 12,000 km. Currently, three models (CR929-500, CR929-600, CR929-700) are under development, with differences in maximum flight range depending on seating and cargo capacity.

The aircraft is reported to be equipped with Russian-made PD-35 engines. The maximum takeoff thrust of this engine is said to reach 35 tons.

Chinese media predict that the aircraft could be delivered as early as between 2028 and 2029.

They also expect that by 2045, more than 1,000 CR929 aircraft will be delivered.

Yang said, "This aircraft was developed targeting the Chinese and Russian markets as well as regional and international aviation markets," adding, "It can satisfy a broad global market."

Yang also reported that the medium-sized passenger aircraft C919, which recently completed test flights, will be delivered and enter commercial service by the end of this year. The aircraft's top speed is 963 km/h, with a maximum range of 5,555 km. It is reported to accommodate 150 to 160 passengers.

Regarding the ARJ21, a small to medium-sized passenger aircraft independently developed and commercially produced by China, Yang explained, "Currently, 50 units have been supplied to the aviation market, and more ARJ21 aircraft will be supplied this year."

Developed as one of China's national core projects, the ARJ21 is a small to medium-sized passenger aircraft (with fewer than 90 seats) and has a flight range of 2,225 to 3,700 km.

Chinese media stated, "Although domestic aircraft have not yet reached a level to threaten the US Boeing, the demand for aircraft in China, Russia, and surrounding regions is sufficient to adequately replace Boeing's aircraft."