China plans regulatory change to help C919 jet compete with Airbus and Boeing

South China Morning PostCenter-RightEN 2 min read 100% complete by Ralph JenningsFebruary 3, 2026 at 11:01 AM

AI Summary

short article 2 min

China's aviation authority (CAAC) is proposing a regulatory change to allow the C919 jet, manufactured by COMAC, to operate on narrower runways. Announced on Friday, the draft proposal sets "special conditions" based on the jet's design, reducing the minimum runway width from 45 to 30 meters. This adjustment aims to broaden the C919's operational capabilities, enabling it to access more airports within China, including regional and general aviation airports. The move is intended to enhance the C919's competitiveness against Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 aircraft, which are already certified for narrow runways, and potentially expand its market reach into Southeast Asia. The CAAC has opened the proposal for a 10-day public comment period.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Li Hanming 60% China ×270% Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China 80%

Keywords

c919 100% narrow runways 90% regulatory change 80% boeing 70% airbus 70% civil aviation 60% market competition 60% aircraft certification 50% aviation industry 40%

Sentiment Analysis

Positive

Score: 0.30

Source Transparency

Source

South China Morning Post

Political Lean

Center-Right (0.50)

Far LeftCenterFar Right

Classification Confidence

90%

Geographic Perspective

China

This article was automatically classified using rule-based analysis. The political bias score ranges from -1 (far left) to +1 (far right).

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c919 narrow runways regulatory change boeing airbus civil aviation market competition aircraft certification aviation industry

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