Maker of China’s C919 jet set to pick up production pace after delay: sources

China’s leading planemaker is poised for a moderate ramping up of production and deliveries of its C919 narrowbody jet this year, aiming for 28 units or more, with two having already rolled off the production line just three weeks into the new year, according to sources and an industry analyst.

While setbacks forced Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (Comac) to cut back on its delivery targets last year, a manager briefed on the state-owned giant’s plans said it expected supply chain improvements 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.

“Two [C919] units have taken shape since the start of the new year and are undergoing delivery procedures. If that can become the norm, then Comac can produce one C919 every 10 to 15 days this year.”

Comac delivered 15 C919s to customers in 2025, well short of the output target of 75 planned at the beginning of the year.

Eight of them were delivered in November and December after it spun up production, according to data from Chinese carriers and aviation consultancies viewed by the Post.

South China Morning Post