Comac’s C919 Production and Delivery Progress
China’s leading planemaker, Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (Comac), is showing signs of improvement in its production and delivery processes for the C919 narrowbody jet. With 8 of the 15 planes made last year delivered to customers in November and December, a source indicated that supply chain issues appear to be easing.
According to sources and an industry analyst, Comac is poised for a moderate increase in production and deliveries of its C919 this year, aiming for 28 units or more. Two units have already rolled off the production line just three weeks into the new year. A manager briefed on the state-owned giant’s plans mentioned that supply chain improvements are expected to continue in the new year.
“Things started to improve substantially in the last quarter [of 2025] with the arrival of more engines and other parts … It’s reasonable to expect more deliveries this year but Comac’s management is prudent [on the outlook],” the manager said, requesting anonymity.
The manager also noted that if the current pace becomes the norm, Comac could produce one C919 every 10 to 15 days this year. However, Comac delivered only 15 C919s to customers in 2025, far below the initial target of 75 planned at the start of the year.
Eight of those were delivered in November and December after it increased production, according to data from Chinese carriers and aviation consultancies viewed by the Post. Another source mentioned that Comac had enjoyed a “good start” to the new year, building on the momentum established since November.
Industry Analyst Insights
Dan Taylor, head of consulting at British aviation research firm IBA, commented that while Comac had initially set an “overly ambitious” ramp-up plan, it has since become more prudent. He expects around 28 aircraft to be delivered in 2026.
“Deliveries picked up towards the end of last year, indicating improvements and a higher run rate exiting the year … The resumption of LEAP-1C engine exports and closer collaboration with CFM International and their agreements also support better near-term visibility,” Taylor said.
Despite being marketed as a home-grown rival to dominant single-aisle models like the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320, the C919 uses the LEAP-1C engine produced by Franco-American supplier CFM International. An alternative domestically made engine, the CJ-1000, is being developed, but the plane also relies on Western avionics.
CFM is a consortium between America’s GE Aerospace and France’s Safran Aircraft Engines. With manufacturers around the world facing persistent supply chain bottlenecks, the C919’s reliance on Western engines has been seen as a vulnerability that could threaten Comac’s production and delivery schedules.
Geopolitical Challenges
Comac also faced geopolitical turbulence last year. In May, when the trade war between China and the United States reached a peak, Washington suspended GE Aerospace’s engine shipments to Comac. The restriction was lifted in July.
Taylor noted that while Comac might not be able to keep politics out of its engine procurement process, it is now working closely with Western partners.
“[Engine supply] inevitably has a political dimension, but closer collaboration with CFM appears the most practical path in 2026 and the near term [to increase output],” he said. “For longer-term supply security, diversifying engine sources is important.”
Taylor added that Comac’s setbacks last year were “not unusual” and might even help it mature. “Comac slowed the production ramp-up deliberately [until November], reflecting the reality of industrial learning curves for a new narrowbody programme and the need to stabilise quality, certification compliance and in-service reliability before moving to higher output rates,” he said. “This is not unusual for a new programme.”
Future Outlook
With the C919 having been operated commercially in China since May 2023, Comac has orders piling up, with the country’s “big three” carriers – Air China, China Eastern and China Southern – each committing to buy at least 100 units.
As Comac continues to navigate supply chain challenges and geopolitical tensions, its ability to maintain steady production and delivery rates will be critical to its long-term success. The coming year could mark a turning point for the company as it works to meet growing demand and solidify its position in the global aviation market.
