Comac Speeds ARJ21 Production, Readies Flight Deck Redesign

Comac is ramping up production to complete an additional seven ARJ21-700 regional jets by year-end, bringing the total number to 15, against a backdrop of political pressure to raise China’s profile as a global aerospace contender. The push for production coincides with a recent order placed by Chinese regional carrier Genghis Khan Airlines for 25 ARJ21s, calling for first delivery by year-end. Chengdu Airlines remains the sole operator of the Comac regional jet with a fleet of eight.

Both airlines will eventually benefit from a complete redesign of the flight deck, expected to appear in the 15th aircraft or shortly thereafter. The new layout features a better-organized grouping of switches, buttons, instruments, and displays to increase situational awareness and simplify workload. One of the biggest development impediments since the aircraft began flight testing in 2008 involved avionics integration.

Designers expect the new layout, successfully tested on the ARJ21’s flight simulator, to significantly reduce the amount of pilot training required on the type.

Meanwhile, the development of the Chinese-Russian CR929 continues to gain momentum as Comac moves toward evaluating and selecting suppliers ahead of its biennial airshow, Airshow China, which starts November 6. According to Italian media outlet Sole 24 Ore, Italian aviation conglomerate Leonardo will form a partnership with Comac to participate in the production of the CR929 while creating a joint venture with the Chinese Kangde group to produce the central section of the fuselage at its Zhangjiagang factory. Plans call for final assembly of the aircraft to take place at Comac’s Shanghai facility.