Russian media: China's domestically produced aircraft C909 writes a legend in the blue sky

China's independently developed jet regional aircraft - COMAC C909 (formerly ARJ21) has become an important milestone in the development of China's civil aviation industry.

Innovation and self-reliance, creating "Chinese wings"

The C909 is a medium-short range turbofan regional aircraft. It is not only China's first independently developed and launched jet regional aircraft to the international market, but also demonstrates Chinese wisdom with its outstanding performance. It adopts a flexible layout of 78-97 seats, with a range of 2,225-3,700 kilometers. Its spacious cabin (maximum width of 3.14 meters) is the best among regional aircraft, providing passengers with a comfortable flying experience. Particularly notable is that the C909 has excellent high plateau adaptability, capable of coping with complex terrain and route demands.

Striving forward, forging a glorious flight path

The project was officially launched in 2002, and after years of overcoming difficulties:

In 2008, it successfully made its first flight.

In 2014, it obtained the type certificate from the Civil Aviation Administration of China.

In 2016, it completed its first commercial operation with Chengdu Airlines, officially embarking on its journey.

Since then, the C909 has continuously expanded, giving rise to models such as freighters and medical aircraft. Its passenger-to-freighter conversion model received airworthiness approval in 2023.

Flying toward the world, demonstrating Chinese strength

In recent years, the C909 has accelerated its "export" efforts, showcasing strong international competitiveness:

In 2024, it officially adopted the commercial name C909 and successfully opened routes to Central Asia and Southeast Asia. That same year, it completed the verification of the domestically produced braking system, further improving its level of autonomy.

In 2025, the C909 and C919 jointly completed a test flight using bio-aviation fuel, practicing the concept of green aviation; that same year, the first C909 was delivered to Lao Airlines, marking the first entry of a Chinese jet passenger aircraft into the Laotian market.

By the end of 2025, the C909 has achieved remarkable results: a total of more than 150 units have been delivered, serving over 150 cities worldwide, and safely carrying more than 17 million passengers.

At the same time, its airworthiness certification has gained international recognition, for example, it has successfully obtained an airworthiness certificate from the Brunei Civil Aviation Authority, laying a solid foundation for further expansion of the international market.

Looking ahead, the road is long and arduous

The commercial success of the C909 has accumulated valuable experience for its sister model, the C919, in the large aircraft project. Although there are still challenges in entering Western markets (such as not yet obtaining US airworthiness certification), the C909 has grown from a "dream" of China's aviation industry into "Chinese wings" soaring around the world. It has proven through its solid flight path the capability and determination of China to independently develop large aircraft. In the future, it will surely write even more glorious chapters in the blue sky of China and around the world.

Source: Russian State News Agency

Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1850127702906908/

Statement: This article represents the views of the author.