China–Russia widebody talks begin
AchievedRussia and China began talks on a joint widebody between UAC and COMAC. A cooperation memorandum followed in May 2014.
Why it matters: The start of the only widebody attempt outside Airbus and Boeing.
Commercial aircraft
COMAC C929 (formerly CR929)
✓ ConceptDesign · NowBuildTestCertificationIn service
- Country and region
- China · China and South Korea
- Lead organisations
- COMAC
- Last milestone
- Letter of intent with Aviage Systems for core avionics processing (February 2026)
- Next milestone
- Choose an engine; first centre fuselage section due (1 September 2027; no first-flight date announced)
Why it matters
China's first long-range twin-aisle airliner is intended to compete with the Airbus A350 and Boeing 787.
Overview
The C929 is China's first long-range twin-aisle airliner, intended to compete with the Airbus A350 and Boeing 787. It began as the CR929, a 50/50 programme between COMAC and Russia's United Aircraft Corporation (UAC). Talks began in 2012, a cooperation memorandum followed in May 2014, and the joint venture CRAIC was launched in Shanghai on 22 May 2017. Russia was to bring design know-how, including the composite wing, and China most of the funding.
The C929 is China's first long-range twin-aisle airliner, intended to compete with the Airbus A350 and Boeing 787. It began as the CR929, a 50/50 programme between COMAC and Russia's United Aircraft Corporation (UAC). Talks began in 2012, a cooperation memorandum followed in May 2014, and the joint venture CRAIC was launched in Shanghai on 22 May 2017. Russia was to bring design know-how, including the composite wing, and China most of the funding.
Key dates: the general layout was approved on 6 June 2018, and a first composite forward-fuselage demonstrator was made in December 2018. High-speed wind-tunnel tests were completed in Moscow in December 2019. An engine request for proposals went out in December 2017 and seven bids came back, but no engine has been chosen. A landing-gear request for proposals followed in July 2018.
Setbacks: the schedule slipped several times. In 2019 the target was first flight in 2025 and certification in 2027; in 2020 first deliveries moved to 2028–2029. Sanctions after Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine made the partnership uncertain. In August 2023 UAC's chief executive confirmed Russia's withdrawal, and in November 2023 COMAC confirmed the C929 name, said China was developing it alone, and said the programme had entered detailed design.
Status (2026): COMAC says the aircraft is still in design. It quotes a range of about 12,000 km, with seat figures between 280 and 440 depending on layout. Air China signed as launch customer in November 2024; no quantity has been disclosed. In June 2025 COMAC signed memoranda of understanding with Safran and Crane. At the February 2026 Singapore Airshow it signed a letter of intent with Aviage Systems for the core avionics processing system. Huarui Aviation (selected 2021) is building the composite fuselage and plans to deliver the first centre fuselage section by 1 September 2027. In October 2026 Leeham News reported that suppliers were preparing parts for development aircraft (full text not read).
Next: choosing an engine is the main open decision. COMAC has given no date for first flight or entry into service; trade press expects service after 2030.
Showing 1–4 of 5
Milestone path
June 2012 (month only)
22 May 2017
CRAIC joint venture launched
AchievedThe 50/50 joint venture CRAIC was launched in Shanghai. Russia was to bring design know-how including the composite wing; China most of the funding.
Why it matters: Created the programme company that ran the CR929 until Russia left.
21 December 2017
Engine request for proposals issued
AchievedThe propulsion request for proposals went out; seven bids came back by May 2018. No engine has been chosen.
Why it matters: The engine choice is still the single largest open decision on the programme.
6 June 2018
General layout approved
LatestThe general layout and main geometry were approved. A landing-gear request for proposals followed on 31 July 2018.
Why it matters: Fixed the basic size of the aircraft so suppliers could begin bidding.
Milestone path
December 2018 (month only)
Composite forward fuselage demonstrator built
AchievedThe first composite forward-fuselage demonstrator was produced.
Why it matters: Early proof of composite fuselage skills in China.
March 2021 (month only)
Huarui chosen for centre fuselage
AchievedHuarui Aviation was selected as sole preliminary supplier for the midsection fuselage.
Why it matters: First major structural supplier, setting the Chinese-led supply chain.
August 2023 (month only)
Russia withdraws from the programme
AchievedUAC's chief executive confirmed Russia's withdrawal, after sanctions from 2022 made the partnership uncertain.
Why it matters: China now carries the programme alone, and the supplier mix shifted accordingly.
November 2023 (month only)
Renamed C929; detailed design begins
LatestCOMAC confirmed the C929 name, said China was developing it alone, and said it had entered detailed design.
Why it matters: Marks the move from concept to engineering detail, when most supplier selections are made.
Milestone path
12 November 2024
Air China named launch customer
AchievedAir China signed as launch customer. No quantity or delivery date was disclosed.
Why it matters: Gives the programme a home-market anchor, though no firm numbers yet.
June 2025 (month only)
Safran and Crane memoranda signed
AchievedCOMAC signed memoranda with Safran (braking control, tyre pressure, oxygen, icing detection) and Crane (door signal system).
Why it matters: Western systems suppliers remain open to the programme despite trade tensions.
February 2026 (Singapore Airshow)
Aviage avionics letter of intent
AchievedCOMAC signed a letter of intent with Aviage Systems, the GE–AVIC joint venture, for the core avionics processing system.
Why it matters: Avionics is the "brain" of the aircraft; this choice shapes maintenance tools and training for future operators.
July–September 2026
Structures supply chain takes shape
LatestHuarui reportedly signed the main midsection contract (July 2026); AVIC Xi'an Aircraft won four work packages (August 2026); Cotesa China said its 5 m composite frame passed process validation (1 September 2026). Leeham News reported this build-out on 13 October 2026.
Why it matters: Second-tier work packages are now being awarded, the window for parts and materials suppliers.
Milestone path
By 1 September 2027 (target)
First centre fuselage section due
PlannedCOMAC's target is delivery of the first fuselage section by September 2027.
What to watch: the first real hardware of the C929.
Mid-2030s (no official date)
Entry into service expected mid-2030s
PlannedCOMAC has set no date for first flight. Leeham News reports entry into service targeted for the mid-2030s.
What to watch: the engine choice and a first-flight date, which will firm up the timeline.
Showing 1–1 of 4
Systems and suppliers
Propulsion
- Candidates reported: AECC CJ-2000 (China); UEC Aviadvigatel PD-35 (Russia)
- No engine selected; about 78,000 lbf (347 kN) per engine. PD-35 was the CR929 engine; current status unknown.
- Rolls-Royce and GE· not listed in the Directory
- Bid in 2018; no engine selected.
Avionics
- Aviage Systems (50/50 GE Aerospace–AVIC joint venture)
- Letter of intent for the core avionics processing system covering communications, navigation, flight control and monitoring, Singapore Airshow, February 2026.
- Safran (France)· not listed in the Directory
- MoU (June 2025) for crew oxygen, ice detection, brake control and tyre-pressure indication systems.
- Crane Aerospace & Electronics (USA)
- MoU (June 2025) for the door signalling system.
Structures and materials
- Broetje Automation (Shanghai), part of Shanghai Electric· not listed in the Directory
- Automated drilling and riveting line for composite fuselage panels, ordered through Huarui.
- UAC (Russia)
- Former 50/50 partner responsible for wing design; withdrew in 2023.
Cabin
- Safran· not listed in the Directory
- Crew oxygen system (MoU). No other cabin suppliers published.
Suppliers drawn from COMAC announcements and trade press as of 7 Nov 2026. Most agreements are memoranda or letters of intent, not firm contracts. The engine has not been selected.
Systems and suppliers
Avionics
- Safran Nacelles
- Brake control and tyre-pressure indication (MoU, June 2025). RFP issued 31 July 2018; no landing-gear supplier selection published; UTC Aerospace Systems bid.; Crew oxygen system (MoU). No other cabin suppliers published.; MoU (June 2025) for crew oxygen, ice detection, brake control and tyre-pressure indication systems.
Landing gear, wheels and brakes
- Safran· not listed in the Directory
- Brake control and tyre-pressure indication (MoU, June 2025). RFP issued 31 July 2018; no landing-gear supplier selection published; UTC Aerospace Systems bid.
Structures and materials
- Zhejiang Huarui Aviation· not listed in the Directory
- Composite fuselage, selected in 2021; first centre fuselage section due by 1 Sep 2027.
- AVIC
- Listed as airframe supplier.
- Leonardo (Italy)· not listed in the Directory
- October 2018 agreement with COMAC and Kangde to make the fuselage centre section in Zhangjiagang (CR929 era; current status not confirmed).
Manufacturing and support
- COMAC
- Programme lead, final assembly and design, Shanghai. Leeham News (13 Oct 2026) lists Cotesa China, Huarui, Shanghai Electric, Aviage and AVIC as active suppliers; scope not readable (paywall).
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Competitors
| Compared item | Seats | Range | Engines | Entry into service | Orders / customers | Certified by |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| COMAC C929 (reference) | 280 (COMAC); up to 440 in one class | about 12,000 km | To be announced | Not announced (after 2030 expected) | Air China launch customer (quantity not disclosed) | Not yet certified |
| Boeing 787-9 (USA) | 290 typical | 7,635 nm | GE GEnx-1B or Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 | Aug 2014 (Air New Zealand) | Not verified | Not stated in source |
| Airbus A350-900 (Europe) | 332–352 (three-class); 440 maximum | 15,750 km (8,600 nm) | Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-84 | Engine in service since 2015 | Not verified | Not stated in source |
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comac_C929
- https://flightglobal.com/air-transport/comac-confirms-c929-moniker-as-widebody-enters-detailed-design-stage/155675.article
- https://sg.finance.yahoo.com/news/chinas-comac-wide-body-c929-083933117.html
- https://mentourpilot.com/comac-pressing-ahead-with-c929-widebody/
- https://airdatanews.com/comac-signs-supply-agreements-for-the-widebody-c929
- https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202506/18/WS6852284ea310a04af22c6fa6.html
- https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3342392/new-brainer-chinas-c929-widebody-lands-partner-power-next-gen-flight-mind
- https://www.jeccomposites.com/news/spotted-by-jec/broetje-won-the-bid-for-the-c929-fuselage-assembly-line/
- https://leehamnews.com/tag/aviage-systems/
- https://www.axonaviation.com/commercial-aircraft/aircraft-data/boeing-787-9
- https://www.aircraft.airbus.com/en/aircraft/a350/a350-900
- Huarui chosen for centre fuselage
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