Comac Rebrands ARJ21 as C909 to Challenge Airbus, Boeing
Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (Comac) has rebranded its regional aircraft, previously known as the ARJ21, as the C909. The move aims to strengthen its global competitiveness against industry giants like Airbus, Boeing, and Embraer.
The C909 can accommodate 78 passengers in two classes or up to 97 in a high-density configuration. Powered by two General Electric CF34-10A engines, it boasts a range of 2224 to 3701 kilometers. Its list price is around $38 million, with potential discounts for large orders.
The C909 competes with the likes of Airbus A320 and Boeing 737, as well as Embraer's E2 series. Airbus offers the A220 in 100 to 160 seat variants, while Embraer's E2 series ranges from 97 to 146 seats. Despite having more orders for its E2 family, Embraer faces restrictions on selling to US airlines and China due to contracts and certifications.
Since its first flight in 2016, Comac has delivered around 150 C909s and has 60 more orders in the pipeline. The rebranding was unveiled at the Zhuhai Air Show in November.
With the rebranding of the C909, Comac seeks to enhance its global presence and challenge established competitors. The aircraft's competitive pricing, range, and seating capacity position it well in the market, with a growing number of orders reflecting its appeal.
