Chinese Planemaker, Comac to Expand Production as C919 Airliner Orders Grow

The Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (Comac) is increasing its production capacity to address a growing backlog of orders for its C919 narrowbody airliner.

Comac announced plans on Saturday to expand its manufacturing facilities in Shanghai, where it already employs a workforce of 10,000. The move comes as the company aims to accelerate output in response to 365 outstanding orders for the C919, with deliveries scheduled to extend into the 2030s. Comac has delivered 15 C919s to date, including two in December and one more set for delivery to China Eastern Airlines before the year’s end.

The Shanghai expansion aligns with a broader strategy to establish the city as a global aerospace production hub, comparable to Everett, U.S., and Toulouse, France, which house Boeing and Airbus operations. In October, Comac signed agreements worth 26 billion yuan (approximately $3.56 billion) with Shanghai officials to advance this goal.

“The C919 is entering a new journey. There are more models, faster production rates and more deliveries of differentiated models to multiple airlines. These changes have put forward new and higher requirements,” said company president He Dongfeng in a Thursday meeting, according to a report on the manufacturer’s website.

The company also plans to enhance cooperation with industrial partners to manage potential disruptions in global supply chains, which have been strained by shortages of aircraft parts and rising costs.

Although the C919 is a milestone in Chinese aviation, Comac continues to rely on Western suppliers for critical components, including engines and avionics. The company is working to certify the jet for international markets while meeting domestic demand.

The C919 program represents China’s ambition to challenge Boeing and Airbus in the commercial aviation sector, but success will depend on its ability to scale production and navigate global supply chain challenges.