Article Posted on : - Oct 21, 2010

A replica of C919 commercial airliner of China.

BEIJING (BNS): China is designing a large commercial airplane which is expected to take to the skies by 2014, according to a state media report.

The Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) will manufacture the first civilian jumbo jet, called C919.

The aircraft featuring new generation engines will be even superior to that of the Boeing 737 jetliner, Chen Jin, Marketing Head of (COMAC) said. The aircraft will also have increased economic performance, reduced emissions and enhanced comfort.

“After years of research, the general blue print of our own jumbo jet is being made. We will start the detailed design next year,” Jin was quoted as saying by the state-run Xinuha news agency on Wednesday.

China is presently using passenger aircraft manufactured by Europe’s Airbus and US’s Boeing companies.

The COMAC will also set up an R&D centre, a generally assembly manufacturing centre and a customer service centre in Shanghai. Once completed, the company will produce 150 jumbo jets and 50 regional aircraft every year, Jin said.

The first C919 is scheduled to make its maiden flight in 2014 before being delivered for commercial use in 2016, the report said.