Rumors are circulating on Chinese social media that the domestic C919 passenger plane failed to pass inspection. The plane, which was scheduled to go from Shanghai to Hefei via Beijing on February 1, encountered a technical problem during the flight and returned to Shanghai. It has been reported that there is an issue with the left pushrod that forces the pilot to spin in midair. The flight was part of the 100-hour review process required to get the plane approved for passenger transport.

While the C919 was expected to put China on the world aviation map, the event shattered China’s aviation dreams.

The C919 Jetliner is China’s first domestic passenger aircraft, scheduled to open for commercial flights this spring. COMAC (Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China) Jetliner manufacturer occupies a very important position in China’s geopolitical and economic policy.

China is the world’s largest aviation market, with the number of domestic passengers increasing every year. It ranks second just behind the United States in air passenger traffic and is expected to overtake the United States by 2040. To take advantage of this huge market economically, Beijing is trying to create an independent aircraft that can compete with industry giants like Boeing and Airbus.

China established COMAC in Shanghai in 2008 to achieve its civil aviation goals. COMAC is a state-owned design and manufacturing company that produces large and medium passenger aircraft for the country.

The C919 jetliner is the first independent passenger aircraft designed and developed by COMAC that meets international airworthiness standards. Airworthiness standards are specific technical and safety standards established to ensure the airworthiness of civil aircraft.

The C919 is a twin-engine single-body short and medium range passenger aircraft with a standard range of 4,075 km and a maximum range of 5,555 km. The plane costs $99 million, which is cheaper than the Airbus A320 ($122 million) and Boeing 737 Max ($111 million). The C919 completed its first successful maiden flight in 2017 and is currently undergoing final certification procedures.

Despite the failed flight on 1 February, the aircraft made another successful flight to Urumqi International Airport on 4 February. This was the liner’s first long-haul demonstration flight to evaluate comfort in the cabin. The plane has been officially sold to China Eastern Airlines and will make its first passenger flight this spring. Source