SINGAPORE—Comac has inaugurated the Xinjiang Customer Service Center, which aims to support customers in west China as well as advance the development of the air transport network in the remote region.
The state-owned OEM says it will promote the adoption of 50 ARJ21 regional aircraft in Xinjiang within the next three years. The customer service center will provide MRO services and training to customers in the region, Comac adds.
In June, a Chengdu Airlines ARJ21 clocked its first high-altitude route, flying from Kashgar Laining International Airport in Xinjiang to Khunjerab Airport in Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous County, located 3,258 m (10,689 ft.) above sea level.
Xinjiang is China’s largest province by area and is recognized as one of the gateways into Central Asian markets. Airlines based in the Xinjiang region include Chengdu Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Urumqi Air and West Air.
Separately, the first batch of China Southern pilots have completed conversion training to operate the Comac C919, ahead of the aircraft’s debut delivery this year.
Eight pilots underwent the 38-day training at Comac’s base in Shanghai from May 14-July 10. The syllabus consisted of 86 hr. of theory classes and 108 hr. of pilot instructor training.
In April, China Southern became the last of three state-owned airlines to purchase the C919, ordering 100 aircraft worth $10.8 billion.
