COMAC's C919 and C909 Aircraft Steal the Show at 2026 Singapore Airshow
Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience.
COMAC's C919 passenger jet will perform a flight demonstration at the 2026 Singapore Airshow, showcasing its C909 medical variant and securing a six-aircraft firefighting order.
Key Takeaways
- •C919 passenger jet is performing a flight demonstration at the 2026 Singapore Airshow, marking its second appearance at the event.
- •COMAC secured the first commercial order for its C909 firefighting variant, a deal for six aircraft with Shanxi Victory General Aviation.
- •The C909 medical aircraft, equipped with ophthalmic facilities, is on display for the first time in Southeast Asia, highlighting the jet's versatility.
- •More than 200 C919 and C909 aircraft have been delivered to date, with the C909 already operating in Indonesia, Laos, and Vietnam.
China's domestically developed C919 and C909 aircraft are key features at the 2026 Singapore Airshow this week. The Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China, Ltd. (COMAC) is using the event to showcase its growing product line.
The C919 narrowbody jet is scheduled to perform a COMAC C919 flight demonstration. This marks the second time the C919 has appeared at the airshow. Its debut flight display occurred at the 2024 Singapore Airshow.
C919: Narrowbody Challenger's Second Appearance
The C919 is China's direct competitor to the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 families. It is designed to seat between 158 and 192 passengers. The aircraft offers a maximum range of 4,075 to 5,555 kilometers.
Its presence at the 2026 event underscores COMAC’s intent to expand internationally. Media reports suggest the manufacturer is also pursuing European certification for the C919. This would significantly broaden the aircraft's potential market access.
C909 Secures First Firefighting Order
COMAC also announced a significant order for its smaller C909 firefighting aircraft variant. The deal was signed with Shanxi Victory General Aviation during the airshow. The agreement covers six C909 aircraft. This includes three firm orders and three letters of intent (LOI).
This marks the first commercial order for the C909 aerial firefighting concept. The firefighting variant received airworthiness approval in December 2025. This certification came from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC).
- The C909 firefighting aircraft can carry a 10-ton water tank.
- It is also equipped to accommodate up to 19 personnel.
- Shanxi Victory General Aviation specializes in emergency rescue and forest firefighting.
Expanding Special Mission and Regional Presence
The C909 medical aircraft display is another highlight for COMAC in Singapore. This is the first time the medical variant has been shown in Southeast Asia. The specialized aircraft is equipped with ophthalmic diagnostic and surgical facilities. It is also approved for ear, nose, and throat (ENT) procedures.
The C909 is a regional jet seating 78 to 97 passengers. Its range is listed between 2,225 and 3,700 kilometers. The aircraft is specifically designed for challenging operations.
- It performs well in high-temperature and high-altitude conditions.
- It is optimized for operations on short and narrow runways.
Southeast Asia is a key market for COMAC’s regional jet strategy. The C909 is already in service with airlines in Indonesia, Laos, and Vietnam. Operators include TransNusa in Indonesia, Lao Airlines, and VietJet Air. These nine C909 aircraft have opened over 20 routes. They have collectively carried more than 700,000 passengers. Indonesian carrier TransNusa has expressed satisfaction with the C909’s performance. They noted its strong performance in demanding mountainous and tropical environments.
Market Impact and Future Outlook
The dual presence of China's C919 C909 aircraft at the Singapore Airshow signals COMAC’s growing global ambition. The manufacturer reports that more than 200 C919 and C909 aircraft have been delivered to date. These deliveries cover over 800 routes globally.
This strong showing is strategically timed to capitalize on regional growth. The Asia-Pacific region is the world's fastest-growing air travel market. Passenger traffic growth is projected at 7.3% for 2026. COMAC is positioning its aircraft to meet this rising demand. The C909’s niche capabilities offer a differentiated option. This is especially true for regional routes with operational constraints. The new firefighting order further diversifies the C909 platform. It moves the aircraft beyond passenger transport into special-mission aviation.
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Written by Ujjwal Sukhwani
Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience. Covers flight operations, safety regulations, and market trends with expert analysis.
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