Hainan Adjusts C919 Order Intended for Urumqi Air

‍DALLAS – Hainan Airlines Group (HU) has amended an order for 30 COMAC C919 aircraft.

Initially, HU intended for the C919 aircraft to enter service with its low-cost subsidiary Urumqi Air (UQ). However, it has since decided that UQ will no longer take delivery of the C919s. Parent company HU has selected other aircraft for its low-cost carrier (LCC), UQ. 

Hainan says in a stock exchange filing that UQ will now opt for COMAC’s C909, formerly the ARJ21. The initial order for 30 C919, signed on 12 November, formed part of the Hainan group’s commitment to the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (Comac) for 100 of its aircraft. 

The original undertaking comprised 60 C919s and 40 ARJ21s. These were intended for UQ and Suparna Airlines (Y8). However, it is not yet known whether UQ’s revised commitment for 40 C909s—valued at US$1.5 billion at list prices—constitutes part of the original Hainan order. 

Hainan Group Aircraft Order

Hainan Airlines initially announced an undertaking for COMAC aircraft in 2023 and then confirmed this commitment on 12 November. However, just two days later, the order was amended. According to Flight Global, UQ adjusted the C919 order due to plans that will see the carrier focus on developing its regional network. The LCC currently operates a fleet of Boeing 737-800 aircraft.

The airline group says that the 30 C919s originally intended for UQ will be re-assigned to other air service operators within the company. At this stage, it is unclear whether the C919s will be deployed with Y8 or with HU itself. HU has reportedly consulted with the Chinese aircraft manufacturer, claiming that the amendment does not constitute a breach of contract.

COMAC Aircraft

The C919 is designed to compete with established models like the Boeing 737 and the Airbus A320. With a standard range of 4,075 to 5,555 kilometers, it can comfortably accommodate 158 to 168 passengers. It is designed for short—to medium-haul routes and aims to offer comparable fuel efficiency, passenger capacity, and operating costs.

The ARJ21, now rebranded as the C909, was the first short—to medium-range turbofan regional aircraft independently developed by China in accordance with international civil aviation regulations. Its layout has 78 to 97 seats and a range of 2,225 to 3,700 kilometers.

Furthermore, COMAC has recently opened two new offices in Asia. Sustainability in the Sky reports that the opening of these offices—one in Hong Kong and the other in Singapore—is a step forward for the Chinese aircraft manufacturer, which is intent on expanding in Asia. The Southeast Asian market is key to COMAC’s international strategy.