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Comac C909#Variants

{{Short description|Chinese regional airliner}}

{{use dmy dates |date=October 2022}}

{{Infobox aircraft

| name = Comac C909

| logo = ARJ21 Logo.svg

| logo_size = 100

| image = B-605U@PEK (20200802164328).jpg

| image_caption = C909 ER of Air China, the type’s second largest operator

| caption =

| type = Regional jet

| manufacturer = Comac

| other_names = ARJ21 Xiangfeng

| aircraft_type = Narrow-body jet airliner

| national_origin = China

| design_group = {{Unbulleted list|ACAC consortium|Antonov}}

| first_flight = {{start date and age|df=y|2008|11|28}}

| introduction = 28 June 2016 with Chengdu Airlines{{cite web|url=http://www.chinaaviationdaily.com/news/51/51117.html|title=Airbus, Boeing Jostle for China Friendship, and Aircraft Orders|work=chinaaviationdaily.com|access-date=7 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307104124/http://www.chinaaviationdaily.com/news/51/51117.html|archive-date=2016-03-07|url-status=live}}

| status = In production, in service

| primary_user = Chengdu Airlines{{cite web|url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/pictures-chengdu-airlines-takes-delivery-of-first-a-419548/|title=PICTURES: Chengdu Airlines takes delivery of first ARJ21|work=Flightglobal.com|access-date=7 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160220123003/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/pictures-chengdu-airlines-takes-delivery-of-first-a-419548/|archive-date=2016-02-20|url-status=live}}

| more_users = {{Unbulleted list|Air China|China Southern Airlines|China Eastern Airlines}}

| produced = 2007–present{{cite web|url=http://rzjets.net/aircraft/?typeid=359|title=COMAC ARJ21 production list|work=rzjets.net|access-date=4 October 2022}}

| number_built = 176 (as of 1 April 2025)

| in_service = 2016-present

}}

The Comac C909, originally known as the ARJ21 Xiangfeng ({{zh|c=翔凤|p=xiángfèng|l=Soaring Phoenix}}), is a 78–90 seat regional jet manufactured by the Chinese state-owned aerospace company Comac.

Development of the ARJ21 began in March 2002, led by the state-owned ACAC consortium. The first prototype was rolled out on 21 December 2007, and made its maiden flight on 28 November 2008 from Shanghai. It received its CAAC Type Certification on 30 December 2014 and was introduced on 28 June 2016 by Chengdu Airlines. The ACAC consortium was reorganized in 2009 as part of Comac and the jet was rebranded as the C909 in November 2024.

It features a 25° swept, supercritical wing designed by Antonov and twin rear-mounted General Electric CF34 engines. By 2025, 172 airframes had been delivered.

Development

File:ARJ21.png

File:南航ARJ21舱内.jpg

In 1985, Shanghai Aircraft Manufacturing Company, now a part of Comac,{{cite web | url=https://www.aerotime.aero/articles/comac-the-quiet-giant-challenging-the-airbus-boeing-duopoly-1202 | title=COMAC: The quiet giant challenging Airbus and Boeing | date=29 November 2024 }} launched a "troubled" partnership with McDonnell Douglas to co-produce the MD-80, a similar-looking small jet aircraft.{{cite web | url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/commentary/china-jetliner-c919-plane-manufacturing-aviation-industry-4862466 | title=Commentary: China's jetliner dreams are getting real, but it's too early to celebrate }} After producing 20 MD-80s, the joint venture eventually collapsed, but China refused to return the tooling used.Burchell, Bill. [http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_generic.jsp?channel=om&id=news/om/2010/10/01/OM_10_01_2010_p33-252956.xml "Setting Up Support For Future Regional Jets"].{{dead link|date=November 2018}} Aviation Week, October 13, 2010. Western analysts state that the ARJ21 is "heavily derived" from the MD-80, including its 1980s-era airframe. However, Chinese state media claim that the ARJ21 is an indigenous design.{{cite web | url=http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2007-12/21/content_6340430.htm | title=1st indigenous jet }}

The development of the ARJ21 (Advanced Regional Jet) was a key project in the "10th Five-Year Plan" of China. The project officially began in March 2002 and was led by the state-owned ACAC consortium. The maiden flight of the ARJ21 was initially planned to take place in 2005 with commercial service beginning 18 months later.{{cite web | title=China-Made ARJ21 Feeder Plane to Appear at Zhuhai Aviation Show | work=People's Daily | url=http://english.people.com.cn/200211/04/eng20021104_106234.shtml | access-date=2002-11-04 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031004015958/http://english.people.com.cn/200211/04/eng20021104_106234.shtml | archive-date=2003-10-04 | url-status=live }} The programme became eight years behind schedule.[http://aviationweek.com/zhuhai-2014/c919-inches-toward-flight-testing-arj21-toward-upgrade C919 Inches Toward Flight-Testing, ARJ21 Toward Upgrade] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117033412/http://aviationweek.com/zhuhai-2014/c919-inches-toward-flight-testing-arj21-toward-upgrade |date=2015-11-17 }}, Aviationweek, 3. November 2014

The design work was delayed and the final trial production stage did not begin until June 2006.{{cite web | title=Self-developed jet to fly maiden trip | work=XINHUA | url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2006-06/01/content_4631760.htm | access-date=2006-06-01 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061110005953/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2006-06/01/content_4631760.htm | archive-date=2006-11-10 }}

The first prototype (serial number 101) rolled out on 21 December 2007,{{cite news |title='Flying Phoenix' is China's first homegrown commercial aircraft |date=December 22, 2007 |agency=Associated Press |via=TheRecord |url=http://news.therecord.com/Business/article/286248 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090208120256/http://news.therecord.com/Business/article/286248 |archive-date=2009-02-08 }} with a maiden flight on 28 November 2008 at Shanghai's Dachang Airfield.{{cite magazine |date=January 2009 |title=ARJ21 Makes Maiden Flight |magazine=Air International |page=4 |volume=76 |issue=1 |issn=0306-5634}}{{Cite web |title=Aviation History {{!}} GE Aerospace |url=https://www.geaerospace.com/company/about-us/history |access-date=2025-04-27 |website=www.geaerospace.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=11/28/2008: First Flight of the COMAC ARJ21 |url=https://www.airwaysmag.com/new-post/first-flight-comac-arj21 |access-date=2025-04-27 |website=airwaysmag.com}} The aircraft completed a long-distance test flight on 15 July 2009, flying from Shanghai to Xi'an in 2 hours 19 minutes, over a distance of 1,300 km. The second ARJ21 (serial number 102) completed the same test flight route on 24 August 2009. The third aircraft (serial number 103) similarly completed its first test flight on 12 September 2009.{{cite web | title=Third Chinese ARJ-21-700 takes off (in Spanish) | work=CCTV | url=http://www.cctv.com/program/e_BizChina/20090914/102936.shtml | access-date=2009-09-14 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121022154434/http://www.cctv.com/program/e_BizChina/20090914/102936.shtml | archive-date=2012-10-22 | url-status=live }} The fourth aircraft (CN 104) flew by November 2010. By August 2011, static, flutter and crosswind flight tests had been completed.{{cite web|url=http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2011/08/24/361199/chinas-arj21-falls-behind-on-flight-test-schedule.html |title=China's ARJ21 falls behind on flight test schedule |publisher=Flightglobal.com |date=24 August 2011 |access-date=18 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105202328/http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2011/08/24/361199/chinas-arj21-falls-behind-on-flight-test-schedule.html |archive-date=5 November 2012 |url-status=dead }}

The ACAC consortium was reorganized in 2009 and became a part of COMAC.

information on COMAC's [http://www.comac.cc/n16/n86839/n140153/140493.html website] {{Dead link|date=February 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} (Chinese)

=Key flight tests and CAAC certification=

AC104 returned to China on 28 April 2014, after completing natural-icing tests in North America. This was the first time a turbofan-powered regional jet independently developed by China had flown abroad to carry out flight tests in special weather conditions. At the same time, other flight-test aircraft covered more than 30,000 km across Asia, America, Europe, and the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. Natural-icing tests are required for airworthiness certification, and conducting these tests outside China showed it was feasible to do certification tests for civil aircraft in other countries.{{cite web| url=http://english.comac.cc/news/latest/201405/06/t20140506_1596644.shtml| title=China-made ARJ21 aircraft completes natural icing flight test and achieves a global flight of 30,000km| access-date=2014-12-26| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141227013558/http://english.comac.cc/news/latest/201405/06/t20140506_1596644.shtml| archive-date=2014-12-27| url-status=live}}

The first production aircraft flew on 18 June 2014. and AC104 completed an airspeed calibration flight on 30 October. Route-proving started on 29 October 2014, and AC105 made 83 flights between ten airports in Chengdu, Guiyang, Guilin, Haikou, Fuzhou, Zhoushan, Tianjin, Shijiazhuang, Yinchuan and Xianyang. The cumulative flight time was 173 hours and 55 minutes.{{cite web|url=http://english.comac.cc/news/latest/201412/26/t20141226_2207764.shtml|title=ARJ21-700 AC105 completes function and reliability flight test successfully|work=comac.cc|access-date=2014-12-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141227071741/http://english.comac.cc/news/latest/201412/26/t20141226_2207764.shtml|archive-date=2014-12-27|url-status=live}} By November 2014, AC104 had completed 711 flights in 1,442 hours and 23 minutes. Certification tests included stall, high-speed, noise and simulated and natural icing.{{cite web|url=http://english.comac.cc/news/latest/201411/18/t20141118_2094722.shtml|title=ARJ21-700 AC104 completes all flight tests before issuance of TV|work=comac.cc|access-date=7 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305010422/http://english.comac.cc/news/latest/201411/18/t20141118_2094722.shtml|archive-date=2016-03-05|url-status=live}} AC105 returned to Yanliang airport on December 16, 2014, from Xi'an Xianyang International Airport after the last function and reliability flight. This completed the testing for the ARJ21-700 airworthiness certificate.

The ARJ21-700 received its Type Certification under Chapter 25 of the Chinese civil aviation regulations from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), on 30 December 2014.{{cite web|last1=Perrett|first1=Bradley|title=China Certifies Comac ARJ21-700|url=http://aviationweek.com/commercial-aviation/china-certifies-comac-arj21-700|website=AviationWeek|access-date=30 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150101170953/http://aviationweek.com/commercial-aviation/china-certifies-comac-arj21-700|archive-date=2015-01-01|url-status=live}} The certification program for the CAAC required 5,000 hours.

An ARJ21-700 completed a final demonstration flight on 12 September 2015 before being delivered to a customer.

=Introduction=

File:B-3328@SHA (20191112105701).jpg in 2019]]

File:B-605U@PEK (20200628125533).jpg

On 29 November 2015, COMAC delivered the first ARJ21-700 to Chengdu Airlines.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/china-comac-idUSL3N13O02620151129|title=China's COMAC delivers first ARJ21 jet plane to domestic airline|work=Reuters|date=November 28, 2015|access-date=2017-06-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151203121845/http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/11/29/china-comac-idUSL3N13O02620151129|archive-date=2015-12-03|url-status=live}} The first commercial flight took off from Chengdu Shuangliu Airport on 28 June 2016, landing in Shanghai two hours later,Wong, Chun Han, First Chinese-built passenger jet goes into service, Wall Street Journal, June 29, 2016, p.B7{{cite news|url=http://www.shanghaidaily.com/business/Chinas-first-domestically-manufactured-passenger-jet-takes-off/shdaily.shtml|title=China's first domestically manufactured passenger jet takes off|newspaper=Shanghai Daily|date=June 28, 2016|access-date=2016-06-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160629173613/http://www.shanghaidaily.com/business/Chinas-first-domestically-manufactured-passenger-jet-takes-off/shdaily.shtml|archive-date=2016-06-29|url-status=live}} one day after its commercial flight was approved by the CAAC. During the summer schedule period of 2016, i.e. until 29 October 2016, the ARJ21-700 was scheduled to operate three weekly rotations between Chengdu and Shanghai Hongqiao. 85 flight segments were operated by ARJ21 (81 by B-3321, four by B-3322).

= Further developments =

In June 2018 an ARJ21-700+ was proposed for 2021 with weight and drag reductions. Subsequently, a -900 stretch version was designed to accommodate 115 all-economy seats, similar to the Bombardier CRJ900, Embraer E175-E2 or Mitsubishi MRJ90.

Structurally conservative and designed for hot and high operations, the ARJ21's {{cvt|25|t|lb}} empty weight is higher than initially targeted in 2002, and also higher than competing aircraft. In 2018 an executive version was in final assembly and a cargo variant was proposed.{{cite news |url=http://aviationweek.com/new-civil-aircraft/comac-upgrade-arj21-planning-freight-version |title=Comac To Upgrade ARJ21, Planning Freight Version |date=June 15, 2018 |author=Bradley Perrett |work=Aviation Week & Space Technology}}

= Freighter conversion program =

File:(SGP-Singapore) Air Central Comac ARJ21-700P2F B-3388 @ Singapore Airshow 2024-02-25.jpg]]

The ARJ21 COMAC Converted Freighter (CCF) conversion program began in May 2020; the type certification and testing program was completed in December 2022 and the type certified by the CAAC on 1 January 2023.{{Cite web |title=ARJ21客改货项目获得适航批准 |url=https://www.chinaerospace.com/article/show/016b5fc1cc67958949a5efebf607c1c2 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230117051102/https://www.chinaerospace.com/article/show/016b5fc1cc67958949a5efebf607c1c2 |archive-date=2023-01-17 |access-date=2023-01-17 |website=www.chinaerospace.com}}

The first two ARJ21 converted freighters (B-3329 and B-3388) were delivered to customers on 30 October 2023. The two airframes were initially delivered to Chengdu Airlines in 2018 in the passenger configuration and were subsequently withdrawn for the CCF program in 2021. Airframe B-3329 was handed over to YTO Cargo Airlines which intends to operate the type on short-haul international routes while airframe B-3388 was delivered to Air Central (based in Zhengzhou, China) for flights on domestic routes.{{cite news |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/air-transport/comac-delivers-first-arj21-converted-freighters/155597.article|title=COMAC delivers first ARJ21 converted freighters |date=30 October 2023 |author=Alfred Chua |work=FlightGlobal.com}} The converted freighters have a maximum payload capacity of 10 tonnes and a range of about 1500 nautical miles (2780 km).

=Production=

In early July 2017, the CAAC certified the ARJ21 for mass production.{{cite news |author=Matthew Miller and Fang Cheng |title=China Certifies COMAC to Mass Produce ARJ-21 Regional Jets: Xinhua |editor=Himani Sarkar |work=Reuters |date=9 July 2017 |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-comac-approval-idUSKBN19U05F |access-date=2017-12-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180108175606/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-comac-approval-idUSKBN19U05F |archive-date=2018-01-08 |url-status=live }} On 6 March 2020, the first ARJ21 assembled at the second production line in Pudong, took its first production test flight. The second production line, with a production capacity of up to 30 jets a year, is located at the same facility that assembles the C919.{{cite news |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/air-transport/comac-opens-second-arj21-production-line/137207.article |title= Comac opens second ARJ21 production line |author= Alfred Chua |date= 12 March 2020 |work= Flightglobal}}

=Rebranding=

In October 2024, images of an ARJ21 in C909 livery emerged.{{cite news |last1=Homma |first1=Anton |title=COMAC to rebrand the ARJ21 |url=https://www.scramble.nl/civil-news/comac-to-rebrand-the-arj21 |work=www.scramble.nl |date=15 October 2024}} Comac officially announced the rebranding at the Zhuhai Air Show in November 2024.{{cite web|url=https://www.flightglobal.com/programmes/comac-formally-rebrands-arj21-as-c909/160699.article|title=Comac formally rebrands ARJ21 as C909|work=Flightglobal.com|access-date=12 November 2024}} This brings the naming in line with the convention of Comac's other two programmes, the C919 and C929.

Design

Several sources have noted that the ARJ21 closely resembles the McDonnell Douglas MD-80 and the MD-90, which were produced under licence in China.{{cite web|url=http://aviationweek.com/commercial-aviation/arj21-700-certified-focus-shifts-support|title=With ARJ21-700 Certified, Focus Shifts To Support|publisher=aviationweek.com|date=20 January 2015|access-date=2016-06-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160703053243/http://aviationweek.com/commercial-aviation/arj21-700-certified-focus-shifts-support|archive-date=2016-07-03|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last1=Vertesy|first1=Daniel|last2=Szirmai|first2=Adam|title=Interrupted innovation: Innovation system dynamics in latecomer aerospace industries}} Comac states that the ARJ21 is a completely indigenous design.{{cite web |url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2006-06/01/content_4631760.htm |title=Xinhua – English |publisher=News.xinhuanet.com |date=2006-06-01 |access-date=2010-06-02 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090209031739/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2006-06/01/content_4631760.htm |archive-date=2009-02-09 }}{{cite web |url=http://news.eastday.com/c/20070904/u1a3087281.html |title=我国已具备生产大型民用飞机的能力 |publisher=News.eastday.com |date=2007-03-30 |access-date=2010-06-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100620030213/http://news.eastday.com/c/20070904/u1a3087281.html |archive-date=2010-06-20 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://sh.eastday.com/dta/ARJ21/index.html |title=中国首架自主知识产权新支线飞机-上海频道-东方新闻-东方网 |publisher=Sh.eastday.com |access-date=2010-06-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100526004545/http://sh.eastday.com/dta/ARJ21/index.html |archive-date=2010-05-26 |url-status=live }} The ARJ21's development did depend heavily on foreign suppliers, including engines and avionics from the United States. The ARJ21 has a new supercritical wing designed by Antonov with a sweepback of 25 degrees and winglets.{{cite web|url=http://www.antonov.com/news/index.xml?news=antk-main%2Fnews_20071224.xml|title=Website "Antonov": News|url-status=bot: unknown|archive-url=https://timetravel.mementoweb.org/memento/2011/http://www.antonov.com/news/index.xml?news=antk-main/news_20071224.xml|archive-date=2018-01-24}}{{cite web | title=ARJ21-A | work=AINonline | url=http://www.ainonline.com/Features/regionalbusaircraft/arj21a.html | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060204221503/http://www.ainonline.com/Features/regionalbusaircraft/arj21a.html | archive-date=2006-02-04 | access-date=2006-06-23}}{{cite web|url=http://www.deagel.com/news/Chinese-ARJ21-700-Airliner-Roll-Out_n000003364.aspx|title=Chinese ARJ21-700 Airliner Roll-Out|access-date=2008-06-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080414213324/http://www.deagel.com/news/Chinese-ARJ21-700-Airliner-Roll-Out_n000003364.aspx|archive-date=2008-04-14|url-status=live}} Some of China's supercomputers have been used to design parts for the ARJ21.{{Citation

| last = Davis | first = Bob

| title = China's Not-So-Super Computers

| newspaper = The Wall Street Journal

| date = 23 March 2012

| url = https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052702303812904577298062429510918?google_editors_picks=true

| access-date = 25 March 2012

}}

=Frame=

Members of the ACAC consortium, which was formed to develop the aircraft, will manufacture major framework components of the aircraft:

= Engine =

The inflight power source of COMAC C909 is General Electric CF-34 turbofan,{{cite web|url=http://www.geaviation.com/press/business_general/bus_20141230.html|title=CF3410APowered ARJ21 Regional Jet Certified by CAAC|date=December 30, 2014|publisher=General Electric Company|access-date=2015-12-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150906084639/http://www.geaviation.com/press/business_general/bus_20141230.html|archive-date=2015-09-06|url-status=live}} which is also widely used on other regional jets like the Mitsubishi CRJ and Embraer E-Jets.

= Avionics =

COMAC chose Collins Aerospace Pro Line 21 integrated avionics system (IAS) as their flight deck avionics solution,{{cite web|url=http://www.airframer.com/aircraft_detail.html?model=ARJ21|title=COMAC ARJ21 – program supplier guide|publisher=Airframer.com|access-date=2010-06-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707100234/http://www.airframer.com/aircraft_detail.html?model=ARJ21|archive-date=2011-07-07|url-status=live}}Wong, Chun Han, China's first jetliner set to take off after delays, Wall Street Journal, p.B2they also supply the FMS-4200 flight management system (FMS) for the C909, which can also be seen on Mitsubishi CRJ550/700/900/1000 regional aircraft and the weather radar.

Variants

= C909 STD =

The C909 STD is the baseline variant of the C909 family.{{Cite web |title=ARJ21 Aircraft Characteristics for Airport Planning ACAP |url=http://www.comac.cc/pdf/acap_en.pdf}}

= C909 ER =

File:Chengdu Airlines C909ER.jpg C909 ER at Chengdu Tianfu International Airport]]The C909 ER is the extended-range variant of the C909 family. It has a increased maximum takeoff weight (MTOW), maximum landing weight (MLW) and maximum taxi weight (MTW) compared to the C909 STD, therefore expanded the aircraft’s performance envelope and range capability without having to install auxiliary fuel tanks (ACT).

== C909 CBJ ==

The C909 CBJ (COMAC Business Jet) is the corporate jet variant of the C909.{{Cite web |title=中国商飞公司参加2025年巴黎国际航展_中国商飞公司门户网站 |url=http://m.comac.cc/xw/202506/17/t20250617_7404564.html |access-date=2025-06-22 |website=m.comac.cc}} It has received its type certificate from the CAAC.{{Cite web |title=中国商飞公司门户网站-C909飞机 |url=http://www.comac.cc/cpyzr/c909/ |access-date=2025-06-22 |website=www.comac.cc}}

== C909 CCF ==

File:(SGP-Singapore) Air Central Comac ARJ21-700P2F B-3388 @ Singapore Airshow 2024-02-25.jpg

The C909 CCF (COMAC converted freighter) is designed with a maximum payload of 9,467kg and is compatible with PMC, PAG and AKE cargo containers. It has received its type certificate from the CAAC. The first aircraft began conversion operations on 22 December, 2022 at GAMECO in Guangzhou, China.{{Cite web |title=【罗戈网】 圆通航空与中国商飞举行ARJ21-700全球首架客改货原型机大开口切割仪式 |url=http://www.logclub.com/m/articleInfo/NDI0MjI= |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230117051804/http://www.logclub.com/m/articleInfo/NDI0MjI= |archive-date=2023-01-17 |access-date=2023-01-17 |website=www.logclub.com}} The first batch of conversions involves two C909ER [ARJ21-700 ER] aircraft originally built and operated by Chengdu Airlines and returned to COMAC in 2021.{{Cite web |last=网易 |date=2022-10-04 |title=ARJ21货机首飞，配备大侧舱门，C919也应尽早发展客改货 |url=https://www.163.com/dy/article/HIS4GIBK0535013N.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221006065054/https://www.163.com/dy/article/HIS4GIBK0535013N.html |archive-date=2022-10-06 |access-date=2023-01-17 |website=www.163.com}}

On 30 December, 2023, it is reported that COMAC has delivered two C909 CCF aircraft to YTO Cargo Airlines and Air Central in Guangzhou, making it COMAC’s first step in the converted cargo aircraft market.{{Cite web |title=首批2架ARJ21客改货飞机交付 国产商用飞机系列化发展迈出坚实一步_中国商飞公司门户网站 |url=http://m.comac.cc/cp/202310/30/t20231030_7371924.shtml |access-date=2025-06-22 |website=m.comac.cc}}

== C909 EMJ ==

The C909 EMJ (Emergency Management Jet) is the dedicated rescue response variant of the C909 family. It has received its type certificate from the CAAC.

On February 20, 2024, it is reported that the Chinese state-owned Henan Civil Aviation Development and Investment Group ordered 6 C909 variants including the C909 EMJ.{{Cite web |last1=Goh |first1=Brenda |last2=Goh |first2=Brenda |date=20 February 2024 |title=Tibet Airlines finalises orders for 40 C919, 10 ARJ21 jets from China's COMAC |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/tibet-airlines-finalises-orders-40-c919-10-arj21-jets-chinas-comac-2024-02-20/ |website=Reuters}}

== C909 FFJ ==

The C909 FFJ (Fire-Fighting Jet) is a specially modified variant dedicated for fire fighting missions, it was firstly announced on Paris Air Show 2025. It is equipped with fire detection and surveillance equipments and is designed with multi-mission capabilities. As of June 2025, the variant is still under development.

On February 20, 2024, it is reported that the Chinese state-owned Henan Civil Aviation Development and Investment Group ordered 6 C909 variants including the C909 FFJ.

== C909 MSJ ==

The C909 MSJ (Medical Service Jet) is a variant dedicated for medical rescue/transport missions. It has received its type certificate from the CAAC.

On February 20, 2024, it is reported that the Chinese state-owned Henan Civil Aviation Development and Investment Group ordered 6 C909 variants including the C909 MSJ.

Operators

{{main|List of Comac C909 operators}}

File:20231118 Comac ARJ21-700 of China Southern Airlines (B-653Z) at CGO 02.jpg

File:Transnusa ARJ-21.jpg

As of April 2025, there were 146 aircraft in commercial service.{{cite news |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/analysis-comac-marches-forward-with-arj21-and-c919-452053/ |title=Comac marches forward with ARJ21 and C919 |date=26 October 2018 |author=Firdaus Hashim |work=Flightglobal |access-date=2018-10-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181028112303/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/analysis-comac-marches-forward-with-arj21-and-c919-452053/ |archive-date=2018-10-28 |url-status=live }}

By April 2025, 176 aircraft had been delivered to customers.{{Cite web|last=Shaw-Smith|first=Peter|title=Deliveries of Comac's ARJ21 Approach 70 Units|url=https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/air-transport/2022-02-15/deliveries-comacs-arj21-approach-70-units|access-date=2022-02-23|website=Aviation International News|language=en}}{{Cite web |title=100th Chinese-developed ARJ21 jetliner delivered-Xinhua |url=https://english.news.cn/20221229/2318583c5c914e7f98777bc3a5957bd6/c.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221229150837/https://english.news.cn/20221229/2318583c5c914e7f98777bc3a5957bd6/c.html |archive-date=2022-12-29 |access-date=2022-12-29 |website=english.news.cn}}

=Orders and deliveries=

As of 9 April 2025, Comac had 386 outstanding orders, after 23 deliveries to launch operator Chengdu Airlines who put it in service on 28 June 2016.{{cite news|url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/analysis-comac-marches-forward-with-arj21-and-c919-452053/|title=Comac marches forward with ARJ21 and C919|author=Firdaus Hashim|date=26 October 2018|work=Flightglobal|access-date=2018-10-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181028112303/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/analysis-comac-marches-forward-with-arj21-and-c919-452053/|archive-date=2018-10-28|url-status=live}}

On 30 March 2025, COMAC announced the delivery of the first C909 aircraft to Lao Airlines. Lao Airlines thereby becomes the second operator outside China (after Indonesia's TransNusa) to take delivery of this type.{{cite news|url=https://www.aerotime.aero/articles/chinas-comac-delivers-first-c909-aircraft-to-lao-airlines |title=China's COMAC delivers first C909 aircraft to Lao Airlines, expanding fleet |author=Goda Labanauskaite |date=30 March 2015 |work=Aerotime.aero |access-date=5 April 2015}}

== Executing orders ==

The following table is current as of 15 March 2025. Note that the numbers listed in the table have been obtained by cross-referencing the two web-based sources cited in the footnotes. Also note that the numbers listed are for the initial annual deliveries to (non-COMAC) commercial operators and do not necessarily reflect the number of airframes currently operated by each listed operator; as a result, the total number delivered may exceed the total number of airframes cited in the original contracts.

class="wikitable"

! rowspan="2" |Date

! rowspan="2" |Airline

! rowspan="2" |Confirmed

(+Options)

! colspan="11" |Deliveries

2015

!2016

!2017

!2018

!2019

!2020

!2021

!2022

!2023

!2024

!2025

8/30/2019

|{{flagicon|China}} Air China

|35

|

|

|

|

|

|3

|4

|8

|9

|9

|1

1/2010

|{{flagicon|China}} Chengdu Airlines

|30

|1

|1

|2

|6

|8

|6

|6

|4

|

|5

|

8/30/2019

|{{flagicon|China}} China Eastern Airlines

|35

|

|

|

|

|

|2

|5

|10

|

|7

|2

11/2020

|{{flagicon|China}} China Express Airlines

|50

|

|

|

|

|

|2

|1

|3

|2

|2

|1

8/30/2019

|{{flagicon|China}} China Southern Airlines

|35

|

|

|

|

|

|3

|4

|8

|9

|9

|

12/2019

|{{flagicon|China}} China Flight General Aviation Company (CFGAC)

|2

|

|

|

|

|1

|1

|

|

|

|1

|

8/20/2018

|{{flagicon|China}} Genghis Khan Airlines

|25(+25)

|

|

|

|

|3

|2

|

|

|1

|1

|

1/2020

|{{flagicon|China}} Jiangxi Air

|5

|

|

|

|

|

|3

|2

|

|

|

|

|{{flagicon|China}} Urumqi Air

|5

|

|

|

|

|

|

|

|

|

|

|

12/2022

|{{Flagicon|Indonesia}} TransNusa

|30

|

|

|

|

|

|

|

|1

|1

|1

|

3/2025

|{{Flagicon|Laos}} Lao Airlines

|2

|

|

|

|

|

|

|

|

|

|

|1

11/2024

|{{Flagicon|China}} Hainan Airlines

|40

|

|

|

|

|

|

|

|

|

|

|

11/2024

|{{Flagicon|China}} Colorful Guizhou Airlines

|20(+10)

|

|

|

|

|

|

|

|

|

|

|

colspan="2" rowspan="2" , |Totals

! rowspan="2" |312(+35)

!1

!1

!2

!6

!12

!22

!22

!34

!22

!35

!5

colspan="11" |162

Reported Orders

class="wikitable"

! rowspan="2" |Date

! rowspan="2" |Airline

! colspan="4" |Type

! rowspan="2" |Options

! rowspan="2" |Rights

ARJ21-700

!ARJ21-700F

!ARJ21-700P2F

!ARJ21B

rowspan="3" |September 2003

|{{flagicon|China}} Shanghai Airlines{{cite news|url=http://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2003/09/23/171605/Three+carriers+place+ARJ21+orders.html|title=Three carriers place ARJ21 orders|date=2003-09-23|work=Flight International|access-date=2006-07-03|publisher=Reed Business Information}}

|5

|

|

|

|

|

{{flagicon|China}} Shandong Airlines

|10

|

|

|

|

|

{{flagicon|China}} Shenzhen Financial Leasing

|20

|

|

|

|

|

March 2004

|{{flagicon|China}} Xiamen Airlines{{cite news|url=http://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2004/08/03/185359/ARJ21+orderbook+climbs+to+41+as+Xiamen+signs+up.html|title=ARJ21 orderbook climbs to 41 as Xiamen signs up|date=2004-08-03|work=Flight International|access-date=2006-07-03|publisher=Reed Business Information}}{{efn|Although the Xiamen Airlines order for six was reported in some press as firm, ACAC's own web site still shows them as "options"}}

|37{{Citation needed|date=August 2019}}

|

|

|

|

|

December 2007

|{{flagicon|China}} Henan Airlines{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/7155452.stm|title=Ceremony inaugurates Chinese jet|date=2007-11-21|work=Flight International|access-date=2008-01-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071224100605/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/7155452.stm|archive-date=2007-12-24|url-status=live|publisher=Reed Business Information}}AVIC announced a new order for 100 planes from Kunpeng Airlines, a Sino-US joint venture, raising the total number of orders to date to 170.

|100

|

|

|

|

|

rowspan="2" |March 2008

|{{flagicon|United States}} GECAS{{cite news|url=http://www.gecas.com/news20080511.asp|title=GE Commercial Aviation Services Announces Purchase of Five ARJ21-700ER Regional Jet Aircraft from Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China, LTD (COMAC); Options for Additional 20 Aircraft|date=2008-11-21|access-date=2010-07-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101120025620/http://www.gecas.com/news20080511.asp|archive-date=2010-11-20|url-status=dead|publisher=Gecas }}

|5

|

|

|

|20

|

{{flagicon|China}} Joy Air{{cite news|url=http://www.avbuyer.com.cn/e/2008/22420.html|title=China Eastern, AVIC I launch Joy Air|date=2008-04-01|work=Flight International|access-date=2008-04-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081007000957/http://www.avbuyer.com.cn/e/2008/22420.html|archive-date=2008-10-07|url-status=dead|publisher=Reed Business Information}}

|50

|

|

|

|

|

May 2010

|{{flagicon|Indonesia}} Merukh Enterprises{{cite web|url=http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2010/05/21/342225/china-exporting-arj21s-and-other-aircraft-to-indonesia.html|title=China exporting ARJ21s and other aircraft to Indonesia|publisher=Flightglobal.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100604001955/http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2010/05/21/342225/china-exporting-arj21s-and-other-aircraft-to-indonesia.html|archive-date=2010-06-04|url-status=live|access-date=2010-06-02}}

|10

|

|

|

|

|

11 November 2014

|{{flagicon|Congo}} Equatorial Congo Airlines{{cite web|url=http://english.comac.cc/news/latest/201411/20/t20141120_2106615.shtml|title=The Republic of Congo announces to order three ARJ21-700 aircraft|work=comac.cc|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141227092848/http://english.comac.cc/news/latest/201411/20/t20141120_2106615.shtml|archive-date=2014-12-27|url-status=live|access-date=2014-12-27}}

|4

|

|

|

|

|

9 March 2015

|{{flagicon|China}} ICBC Leasing{{cite web|url=http://www.chinatopix.com/articles/41327/20150309/icbc-leasing-buys-30-china-made-jets.htm|title=I.C.B.C. Leasing orders thirty ARJ21-700 aircraft|work=comac.cc|date=9 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150311205009/http://www.chinatopix.com/articles/41327/20150309/icbc-leasing-buys-30-china-made-jets.htm|archive-date=2015-03-11|url-status=live|access-date=2015-03-10 |author1=Chinatopix }}

|30

|

|

|

|

|

October 2022

|{{flagicon|China}} Longhao Airlines

|

|50

|

|

|

|

November 2022

|{{flagicon|China}} YTO Cargo Airlines{{cn|date=June 2024}}

|70

|

|2

|

|

|

20 September 2023

|{{flagicon|Brunei}} GallopAir{{Cite news |date=20 September 2023 |title=Brunei's Gallop Air places US$2bil order for China-made C919, ARJ21 jets |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/aseanplus/aseanplus-news/2023/09/22/brunei039s-gallop-air-places-us2bil-order-for-china-made-c919-arj21-jets}}

|12

|

|3{{cite web | url=https://www.bizbrunei.com/2023/11/behind-gallopair-ambitious-bid-to-position-brunei-as-a-regional-travel-hub/ | title=Behind GallopAir's ambitious bid to position Brunei as a regional travel hub - Biz Brunei | date=3 November 2023 }}

|

|

|

colspan="2" |Totals

! colspan="4" |310 Orders

! colspan="2" |20

{{notelist}}

An Indonesian airline will fly with its entire fleet consisting of 60 ARJ21 aircraft, although as of now that airline is not specified.{{cite news|title=Indonesian airline will be first to fly fleet entirely of ARJ21s|url=http://www.scmp.com/business/article/1989044/indonesian-airline-will-be-first-fly-fleet-entirely-arj21s|date=12 July 2016|work=South China Morning Post|language=en|access-date=2017-02-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170227062402/http://www.scmp.com/business/article/1989044/indonesian-airline-will-be-first-fly-fleet-entirely-arj21s|archive-date=2017-02-27|url-status=live}}

Specifications

{{Overly detailed|section|nosplit=1|details=per WP:AIRMOS, this section should cover the specifications of only a single variant|date=June 2025}}

class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; color:black;"
Official designation

! ARJ21-700 STD

! colspan="3" | ARJ21-700 ER

Marketing name

!C909 STD

!C909 ER

!C909 CBJ

!C909 CCF

Cockpit crew

| colspan="4" | Two

Seating capacity

| colspan="2" | 90 (1-class)
78 (2-class)

|20 (VIP)

|Cargo

Seat pitch

| colspan="2" | 31 in (1-class), 36 & 32 in (2-class)

|VIP

|/

Length

| colspan="4" | {{convert|33.46|m|ftin|abbr=on}}

Wingspan

| colspan="4" | {{convert|27.28|m|ftin|abbr=on}}

Wing area

| colspan="4" | {{convert|79.86|sqm|sqft|abbr=on}}

Wing sweepback

| colspan="4" | 25 degrees

Height

| colspan="4" | {{convert|8.44|m|ftin|abbr=on}}

Cabin width

| colspan="4" | {{convert|3.14|m|ftin|abbr=on}}

Cabin height

| colspan="4" | {{convert|2.03|m|ftin|abbr=on}}

Aisle width

| colspan="2" | {{convert|48.3|cm|in|abbr=on}}

|VIP

|/

Seat width

| colspan="2" | {{convert|45.5|cm|in|abbr=on}}

|VIP

|/

OEW

| colspan="2" | {{convert|24955|kg|lb|abbr=on}}

|{{convert|24900|kg|lb|abbr=on}}

|{{convert|24666|kg|lb|abbr=on}}

MZFW

| colspan="3" |{{convert|33890|kg|lb|abbr=on}}

|{{convert|34163|kg|lb|abbr=on}}

MTW

|{{convert|40580|kg|lb|abbr=on}}

| colspan="3" |{{convert|43580|kg|lb|abbr=on}}

MTOW

| {{convert|40500|kg|lb|abbr=on}}

| colspan="3" | {{convert|43500|kg|lb|abbr=on}}

MLW

|{{convert|37665|kg|lb|abbr=on}}

| colspan="3" |{{convert|40455|kg|lb|abbr=on}}

Max. payload

| colspan="2" |{{convert|8935|kg|lb|abbr=on}}

|{{convert|8000|kg|lb|abbr=on}}

|{{convert|9467|kg|lb|abbr=on}}

Cargo capacity

| colspan="3" | {{convert|20.14|m3|cuft|abbr=on}}

|{{convert|115.48|m3|cuft|abbr=on}}

Take-off run at MTOW

| {{convert|1700|m|ft|abbr=on}}

| colspan="3" | {{convert|1900|m|ft|abbr=on}}

Service ceiling

| colspan="4" | {{convert|11900|m|abbr=on}}

Max. operating speed

| colspan="4" | Mach 0.82 (870 km/h; 470 kn; 541 mph)

Normal cruise speed

| colspan="4" | Mach 0.78 (828 km/h; 447 kn; 514 mph)

Range (fully loaded)

| {{cvt|1200|nmi|lk=in}}

| {{cvt|2000|nmi}}

|

|

Maximum fuel load

| colspan="4" | {{convert|10386|kg|abbr=on}}

Powerplants (2x)

| colspan="4" | General Electric CF34-10A{{Cite web|title=Datasheet-CF34-10A|url=https://www.geaviation.com/sites/default/files/datasheet-CF34-10A.pdf}}

Engine thrust

| colspan="4" | {{convert|17057|lbf|kN|order=flip|abbr=on}}

  • Notes: Data are provided for reference only. STD = Standard Range, ER = Extended Range
  • Sources: ARJ21 Series,{{cite web |url=http://www.acac.com.cn/site_en/product.asp |title=ARJ21 Series page |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090713064343/http://www.acac.com.cn/site_en/product.asp |archive-date=2009-07-13}} ICAS[http://www.icas.org/media/pdf/ICAS%20Congress%20General%20Lectures/2010/ICAS-2010-0.5_ARJ21-700_en.pdf ARJ21-700 Specifications] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203013404/http://www.icas.org/media/pdf/ICAS%20Congress%20General%20Lectures/2010/ICAS-2010-0.5_ARJ21-700_en.pdf |date=2013-12-03 }} at icas.org

See also

{{Portal|China|Aviation}}

{{aircontent

|related=

|similar aircraft=

|lists=

|see also=

}}

References

{{reflist|refs=

{{cite web|url= https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1840104793018142829 |title=28/09/2024 @tphuang twitter post |work=twitter.com |access-date=1 October 2024}}

{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1851754091023900937 |title=30/10/2024 @tphuang twitter post |work=twitter.com |access-date=30 October 2024}}

{{cite web|url= https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1869715102225559665 |title=19/12/2024 @tphuang twitter post |work=twitter.com |access-date=19 December 2024}}

}}

External links

{{commons category|Comac ARJ21}}

  • [http://english.comac.cc/products/rj/ ACAC Manufacturer of ARJ21]
  • {{cite web|last1=Toh|first1=Mavis|title=Comac working toward November ARJ21 delivery|url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/pictures-comac-working-toward-november-arj21-delivery-416103/|work=Flightglobal|date=27 August 2015|ref=none}}
  • {{cite news|last1=Govindasamy|first1=Siva|last2=Miller|first2=Matthew|title=China-made regional jet set for delivery, but no U.S. certification|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-aircraft-arj21-exclusive-idUSKCN0SF2XN20151021|date=21 October 2015|work=Reuters|ref=none}}
  • {{cite web|title=ACAC Selection Of GE's CF34 Engine|url=https://www.geaviation.com/press-release/cf34-engine-family/background-data-acac-selection-ges-cf34-engine}}

{{Comac aircraft}}

{{AVIC Aero Products}}

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