Friday, May 5, 2017 - An important day that opens a new chapter in the aviation industry: The COMAC C919 – the latest passenger aircraft from Chinese aircraft manufacturer COMAC – successfully completed its first flight today. Various components and systems from FACC AG were on board too.
FACC has been a development and production partner of COMAC since 2004. In the C919 program, FACC is responsible for the passenger cabin (including industrial design) with cockpit linings, entrance and rear service area, as well as for spoilers and winglets on the Chinese medium-range aircraft. Robert Machtlinger, CEO of FACC AG, was delighted with the achievement of this milestone: "I congratulate COMAC, the program partners involved, and the team from FACC on this successful first flight. We at FACC are proud to have cleared this important hurdle so superbly today with our various components and systems that are being used on the C919."
FACC technology on board the C919
In the development phase stretching over several years, FACC succeeded in contributing its extensive experience and technical expertise in the field of innovative composites to the Chinese aircraft project and in ensuring the leading edge of this new aircraft generation in terms of comfort and cost-effectiveness. "With our lightweight components, we create economic solutions that reduce the weight, fuel consumption, and service life costs of the Chinese narrow-bodied aircraft, while increasing the capacity and range," says Machtlinger.
The first flight marks the beginning of an intensive test-flight program for the C919, which involves several thousand flying hours, and, during the course of which, the components from FACC will also be tested as regards their performance and function.
About the COMAC C919
After the ARJ21, the COMAC C919 is the second twin-engine passenger aircraft to have been developed and built in China. It is designed for short and medium-range flights and, depending on the seating arrangement, for a capacity of 156 to 180 passengers and a range of 4,075 kilometers. It is scheduled to enter service in 2020.
The Chinese aviation market is growing more rapidly than most. According to forecasts from COMAC, there is a demand for over 2,000 aircraft from the C919 family over the next twenty years. Worldwide, there is sustained strong demand for aircraft such as the C919 in the narrow-bodied segment, and the Chinese aircraft manufacturer is also seeking to benefit from this with its new commercial aircraft.
About FACC
FACC AG is one of the world's leading companies in the design, development, and production of advanced, fiber-reinforced composite components and systems for the aviation industry. Their range of products extends from structural components for the fuselage and wings to engine components and complete passenger cabins for commercial aircraft, business jets, and helicopters. FACC produces parts for all the major aircraft manufacturers, such as Airbus, Boeing, Bombardier, Embraer, Sukhoi, and COMAC, as well as for engine manufacturers and subcontractors to the aircraft manufacturers. In the 2015/16 financial year, FACC achieved annual sales of 587.5 million euros. The company currently employs a workforce of over 3,400 employees.
If you have any questions, please contact:
Andrea Schachinger
Corporate Communications
Phone: +43/59/616-1194
E-mail: a.schachinger@facc.com