The Chinese-manufactured passenger plane COMAC ARJ21 achieved the milestone of transporting 10 million passengers since its introduction into service. This compact aircraft, competing in the segment of less than one hundred seats, has accomplished this feat under the operation of China Southern Airlines.
The 10 millionth passenger enjoyed their flight between Guangzhou and Jieyang aboard the aircraft registered as B-91A0, which was delivered to China Southern Airlines on May 16 and commenced operations on the 21st of the same month.
The ARJ21 is a Chinese-produced commercial aircraft, with a total of 117 units delivered to date. These 10 million passengers have been transported on over 400 routes in China and other parts of Asia.
China Southern Airlines operates a fleet of 23 ARJ21 aircraft, each with a capacity to carry 90 passengers. Additionally, the order book for this model stands at 330 aircraft, with an additional 20 options. In October of last year, COMAC delivered the first two AEJ21 aircraft converted from passenger to cargo.
History of the ARJ21
The COMAC ARJ21 is a regional jet designed for short and medium-haul routes. The acronym «ARJ» stands for «Regional Aircraft for the 21st Century». Introduced into service in 2016 with Chengdu Airlines, it was the first passenger aircraft independently developed in China, even when most of its design came from a McDonnell Douglas licence to build MD-80/90 that derived in the final MD-95 resemblance.
With a capacity for 90 passengers in a typical two-class configuration, the modern ARJ21 is intended to serve regional routes and provide connectivity in less densely populated areas.
Although it faced initial challenges, such as development and certification delays, the ARJ21 represents a significant milestone in the Chinese aerospace industry. Its entry into service marked a crucial step towards autonomy in the manufacturing of commercial aircraft for China, complementing the country’s ongoing efforts to establish itself as a key player in the global aerospace market.
