Comac 919

Due to enter service in 2016, the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (Comac) 919 marks China's return to the international mainliner passenger market.

Although Comac has yet to finalise its design, the C919 twinjet will seat 168 passengers in an all-economy class configuration. Industry sources say Comac also plans to manufacture a smaller and larger version of the C919 - a 130-seater and a 190-seater.

The standard range model is set to have a range of 4,075km (2,200nm) while the long-range model will be able to fly 5,555km.

Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) Commercial Engines wants to supply engines to the C919, but concedes that the first C919s are likely to have Western engines because 2016 is too soon for it to develop Chinese powerplants.

Comac is speaking to all the major Western engine-makers including Pratt & Whitney regarding the possibility of using P&W's geared turbofan - due to enter service in 2013.

Comac aims to have first flight of the C919 in 2014 and certification and service entry in 2016.