Airbus and Boeing are exploring new narrowbody designs. But with no plans for new long-haul aircraft, today’s widebodies could dominate the segment for decades.
China's Comac has provided an update on its airliner programs at the Paris Air Show, laying out a timeline for new narrowbody developments and future widebodies.
China has wrapped up its first joint research meeting for the Comac C929 widebody aircraft project, following Russia's withdrawal from the project in 2023.
This program has gained importance following UAC's withdrawal from the CR929 program as it allows Russia to keep its expertise in the widebody technologies.
A graphic at Comac's stand at the Paris Air Show showed no sign of UAC participation in the project any more, but Russia remains part of the program for now.
Russia is discussing ways for it to stay in its last international aircraft program—the joint development of Sino-Russian CR929 widebody commercial aircraft.
The CRAIC CR929 widebody-airliner program has slipped two years, with first delivery now due as late as 2029 following difficulties in cooperation between the Russian and Chinese partners.
The Russian government plans to save United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) after the country’s only aircraft manufacturer almost doubled its net loss in 2019.