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China's C919 jumbo jet will make first flight in 3 years

China's domestically-developed C919 jumbo jet will fly for the first time in 2014 and will go on the market in 2016. The Chinese regional jet ARJ-21, which has already completed a successful test flight, will be put on market in 2011, according to the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China, Ltd. (COMAC).

240 orders so far for regional jet ARJ-21

Since 2009, when the China-made regional jet ARJ-21 made a successful maiden flight, the China-made jumbo jet project has been the subject of growing public concern. Jin Zhuanglong, the general director of COMAC, said in an academic forum at Fudan University that, after two years of testing adjustment, the first ARJ-21 jet will be put on the market this year, and it has been received a total of 240 orders, including U.S. and European customers.

Jin said development of the ARJ-21 required eight years and attracted worldwide attention. Many well-known aircraft supporting suppliers, such as General Electric and Honeywell, have all called for cooperation.

"During the development process of the China-made regional jet ARJ-21 project, we always adhered to a premise, which is that all overseas suppliers must transfer technology to us," Jin said.

China-made jumbo jet equivalent to Boeing 737

The vast amount of technology displayed during the first test flight of the C919 jumbo jet after three years will fill China's gaps in the field. "During the research and development process of the C919 jumbo jet, we are more inclined to nurture domestic suppliers. The goal is to strengthen our own large aircraft production platform," said Jin Zhuanglong.

He said the overall level of the C919 jumbo jet will be equivalent to the Boeing 737.