COMAC has reportedly decided to rebrand its pioneering ARJ21-700 regional jet as the C909 to create a family of names similar to those adopted by Boeing and Airbus.
An image posted on the social network Weibo revealed a demonstration aircraft from the Chinese manufacturer with the new name.
The aircraft, MSN 101156, is shown with the words “COMAC EXPRESS” and a provisional registration number B-099A.
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The change will bring the C909 in line with its “big brother” C919, a passenger jet with around 170 seats, and the wide-body C929 currently in development.
The ARJ21 was launched in 2002 and was clearly based on the US MD-80/90. The twin-engine jet is equipped with GE CF-34 turbofan engines and can carry up to 90 passengers.
It entered service in 2016 after a long development period. At least 150 aircraft have already been delivered to customers, the vast majority of which are Chinese airlines.
With the new name C909, COMAC is likely hoping to win new orders, especially outside China, and to start offering its portfolio in a more integrated way, as its Western competitors do.
The C909 may be officially unveiled at the Zhuhai Airshow, which will take place between November 12 and 17 in Guangdong province.
