China's first homemade large passenger jet, the C919, sits outside a hangar at the final assembly plant of the Commercial Aircraft Corp of China in Shanghai on Monday. Photo: CFP

The rollout of China's homemade C919 narrow-body jet on Monday has won attention from across the globe, not only as a milestone for the aircraft's manufacturer, but also as evidence that China has met part of its long-term goal of enhancing the global competitiveness of its aerospace industry.

The C919, which can seat up to 158 passengers in its two-class cabin, is the largest commercial aircraft ever designed and built in China.

Commercial Aircraft Corp of China (COMAC) began the project in 2008. The aircraft is designed to be safer, more efficient, more comfortable and more environmentally-friendly than its competitors. So far, COMAC has received 517 orders from 21 customers from home and abroad.

Many global suppliers such as Honeywell, CFM International and Dassault Systèmes have shown support for the aircraft.

In 2010, COMAC selected Honeywell to provide the C919's flight control system, wheels and brakes, auxiliary power unit and navigation systems. To smooth things over, Honeywell established two joint ventures to design, develop and manufacture components for the Chinese and overseas markets.

"It represents the next step in our joint efforts to launch the C919, and highlights Honeywell's long-term commitment to China's aviation industry," Briand Greer, president of Honeywell Aerospace Asia Pacific division, said in a statement sent to the Global Times on Monday.

Greer said that his company looks forward continued close collaboration in preparation for the aircraft's first flight in 2016.

The C919 aircraft is powered by CFM International's LEAP-1C engine, which is part of the industry's first integrated propulsion system.

CFM International is a 50/50 joint venture of Snecma (Safran) and GE. Last week, CFM celebrated its 30-year anniversary in China.

The LEAP engine was launched in December 2009. The engine incorporates a unique, industry-first fully integrated propulsion system. CFM provides the engine as well as the nacelle and thrust reverser developed by Nexcelle, a joint venture between Safran (Aircelle) and GE (Middle River Aircraft Systems).

These elements, including the pylon provided by COMAC, were designed in conjunction with each other, resulting in a total system that provides improved aerodynamics, lower weight and easier maintenance.

Collaboration between COMAC and CFM has been outstanding, and the company is honored to be a part of the program, Jean-Paul Ebanga, president and CEO of CFM International, said in a statement sent to the Global Times on Monday.

Safran is also engaged in the project. It supplies not only the complete propulsion system for the C919, but also the electrical wiring interconnection system for this aircraft.

Dassault Systèmes is one of the software providers for the C919. The company adopted CATIA software as the only design tools, combined with the ENOVIA VPM collaborative development platform, to achieve a full three-dimensional paperless design.

Wang Haofeng, general manager of Dassault Systèmes in Greater China, told the Global Times on Monday that the company is proud to be involved in the entire design and research and development process of the C919, and bring improvements in efficiency and quality.

"I believe the manufacturing of big airplanes and high-end manufacturing will go further in terms of the independent design," Wang said.

Global Times