COMAC showcases C909 medical aircraft at Singapore Airshow

The Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) made a significant impact at the Singapore Airshow 2026 by debuting its C909 medical aircraft. This move underscores the burgeoning aviation market in Southeast Asia, which is increasingly becoming a focal point for both innovation and investment in aerospace technology.

During the event at the Changi Exhibition Centre, COMAC showcased not only the C909 but also the C919 aircraft, fostering deeper collaboration with existing and potential partners in the aviation sector. The static exhibition featured a joint display of the C909 medical aircraft alongside the C919 and an Indonesian TransNusa C909, while the C919 is also slated for a demonstration flight.

The C909 aircraft is designed to accommodate 78 to 97 passengers, with a range of between 2,225 and 3,700 kilometers. Its specifications highlight impressive takeoff and landing capabilities on short and narrow runways, alongside robust performance in high-temperature and high-altitude conditions, as well as significant crosswind resistance.

In comparison, the C919 accommodates between 158 and 192 passengers and boasts a range of 4,075 to 5,555 kilometers. The aircraft features an advanced cockpit design that enhances pilot experience, while ensuring a quiet cabin atmosphere and fresh air quality for travelers.

The demand for both the C909 and C919 models has been noteworthy, with over 200 aircraft delivered to date operating on more than 800 routes, facilitating upwards of 36 million passengers journeys. This achievement highlights the growing acceptance of these aircraft in various markets.

Experts such as Qi Qi have pointed out that Southeast Asia is currently one of the most promising markets for COMAC's offerings. Airlines in the region are adopting a differentiated strategy as opposed to major manufacturers like Airbus and Boeing, thereby creating unique opportunities for COMAC.

Acknowledging the importance of this market, COMAC has reported that the C909 aircraft has already seen operational deployment in Indonesia, Laos, and Vietnam, with a total of nine aircraft being utilized by airlines including TransNusa, Lao Airlines, and VietJet Air.

Since its commercial debut, which marked its ninth anniversary on June 28, 2025, the C909 has successfully completed over 30 million passenger journeys, with 175 units delivered, accounting for 60 percent of China's regional jet market. Internationally, it is currently operational in 12 countries.

A noteworthy highlight of the airshow was the introduction of the C909 medical aircraft model, which features specialized ophthalmic diagnostic and surgical facilities, catering to diverse medical applications such as patient transfers and medical rescue.

In addition to showcasing the C909 medical aircraft, COMAC announced a new partnership with Shanxi Victory General Aviation for six firefighting aircraft. This agreement includes three firm orders and three letters of intent, reflecting COMAC's commitment to expanding its range of specialized aircraft.

The C909 firefighting aircraft is engineered to navigate various terrains and comes equipped with a water tank that can support a maximum payload of 10 tons, alongside space for 19 personnel. The aircraft received its airworthiness certification from the Civil Aviation Administration of China in December 2025.