HCMC – Two aircraft manufactured by the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) landed in Vietnam for the first time today, February 26.
The C919 and ARJ21 planes arrived at Van Don International Airport in Quang Ninh Province after their participation in the Singapore Airshow 2024. The purpose of their visit is to continue their involvement in an exhibition and demonstration of COMAC aircraft, which lasts from February 26 to 29.
These aircraft represent China’s inaugural foray into domestic commercial aircraft design and production, marking a significant milestone in the neighboring country’s aviation industry. The ARJ21-700 is a twin-engine jetliner with a capacity of up to 90 passengers, and the C919 is a narrow-body passenger aircraft with seating capacity of 192 travelers.
The Vietnam visit by the C919 underscores China’s ambition to compete with established plane-making giants like Boeing and Airbus. The C919 is a potential rival of popular models such as the Boeing 737 Max and Airbus A320/321. Its layout features a central aisle and two rows of seats.
Hoang Van Dung, deputy director of Van Don International Airport, said that the Chinese aircraft exhibition would pave the way for commercial flights from various Chinese provinces to Van Don airport, potentially from Shantou City on the eastern coast of Guangdong, China, to Van Don.
The exhibition’s opening ceremony is scheduled for February 27. Delegates and guests will have the opportunity to experience test flights on these aircraft.
The aircraft will be on static display at Van Don airport before flying to Con Dao, Tan Son Nhat, and Dong Hoi airports. The event will conclude with flights to Danang, HCMC, and Vientiane of Laos.
