COMAC (Shanghai Pudong) is accelerating the design and testing phase of its widebody aircraft, the C929, according to the South China Morning Post.

The daily reported that the Chinese manufacturer is marshalling its resources and mobilising stakeholders to roll out the C929 on schedule or even earlier, if possible. In parallel, specialists from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) are involved in the aircraft’s development, assessing designs, offering feedback, and moving some certification reviews ahead.

A source close to the matter said that, for instance, preliminary wind tunnel tests have started in recent months, signalling a significant development in the collaboration between CAAC and COMAC.

Furthermore, COMAC recently signed a letter of intent for cooperation with Aviage Systems for the widebody’s core avionics processing system. Aviage is a 50/50 joint venture between General Electric and AVIC - Aviation Industry Corporation of China.

The C929 is tentatively planned to carry up to 280 passengers, as a small widebody aircraft competing with the B787 and A330neo families. Air China (CA, Beijing Capital) is tentatively slated to be the launch operator of the type.

Chinese state-owned COMAC advertised the C929 in model form at the Singapore Air Show. Delegates of the company prioritised potential clients from Southeast Asia, Reuters reported, with Indonesian attendees being among those inquiring about aircraft. COMAC already produces the C909 regional jets and C919 narrowbodies.