> Welcome Commercial Aircraft Corporation ARJ21 and C919 Aircraft to Hong Kong
Welcome Commercial Aircraft Corporation ARJ21 and C919 Aircraft to Hong Kong
The C919 and ARJ21 aircraft are the first two jet aircraft developed by the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (“COMAC”). The successful development of these aircraft are significant milestones and achievements of the aircraft manufacturing industry in China.
C919 Aircraft Information
The C919 is a large passenger aircraft strictly designed, manufactured and airworthiness certificated in accordance with international airworthiness standards by COMAC. It has a seating capacity of 158 to 192 passengers and a range of 4,075 to 5,555 kilometers. The aircraft is capable of operating medium range destinations with a similar passenger carrying capacity and range of operations to that of Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 aircraft.
The first commercial C919 aircraft was delivered to China Eastern Airlines in December 2022 and it came into service in 2023. As of November 2023, COMAC has more than 1,000 orders for the C919 aircraft.
CAD’s Active Participation in the C919 Project
At the invitation of the Civil Aviation Administration of China (“CAAC”), the Hong Kong Civil Aviation Department (CAD) participated in the C919 aircraft certification project starting from 2012 in the areas of initial certification and continuous airworthiness. The C919 aircraft obtained the CAAC’s Type Certificate on 29 September 2022. Since 2019, the CAD had been actively participating in the C919 evaluation activities (including flight crew qualification specification, master minimum equipment list, scheduled maintenance requirements and passenger cabin emergency evacuation demonstration), and had joined various evaluation boards and expert working groups. Moreover, a CAD flight operations expert was deployed to Shanghai for two months to take part in the critical T5 test in evaluating the flight crew training.
The participation provided an opportunity for the CAD to contribute by sharing its international knowledge and experience in the process of aircraft certification, operation and maintenance.
CAD’s Captain Joe Lee (third from right) and other flight experts participating C919 flight test took a group photo in front of the C919 aircraft.
ARJ21 Aircraft
The ARJ-21 (Advanced Regional Jet for the 21st Century) is the first narrow body (single aisle) regional jet aircraft developed by COMAC. The aircraft has a range of 2,225 to 3,700 kilometers and can accommodate 78 to 97 passengers. It came into commercial service in 2016 by Chengdu Airlines. As of today, COMAC has delivered more than 100 ARJ-21 aircraft to multiple airlines. In addition to carrying passengers in public transport airline operations, ARJ-21 also has launched a range of series products including business jet, freighter models, and medical jet.
CAD’s Participation in the ARJ-21 Project
Similar to the C919 project, CAD participated in the ARJ21 aircraft certification project starting from 2007 in the areas of initial certification and continuous airworthiness at the invitation of CAAC. The participation provided an opportunity for the CAD to contribute by sharing its international knowledge and experience in the process of aircraft certification and maintenance.
Visit programme of aircraft C919 and ARJ21 in Hong Kong
December 12 (Tuesday) |
Arrival of C919 and ARJ21 at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) cum water salute ceremony |
December 13 (Wednesday) |
Welcoming ceremony at HKIA Onboard visits for guests and media representatives |
December 14 (Thursday) |
Static display of the aircraft for representatives from various sectors of the community (designated area of the HKIA) |
December 15 (Friday) |
Static display of the aircraft for representatives from various sectors of the community (designated area of the HKIA) |
December 16 (Saturday) |
Flight demonstration (sky over Victoria Harbour) Representatives from Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China to attend a sharing session with young people (at Civil Aviation Department Headquarters) |
December 17 (Sunday) |
C919 and ARJ21 to leave Hong Kong |
