The Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China, or COMAC showcased its C919 aircraft at the Farnborough International Airshow 2012 -ongoing in Hampshire, UK. The plane is China’s first homegrown single-aisle passenger jet.

It brings with it a lot less... less weight, less air resistance and lower emissions. According to its designers, it will also produce up to 30 fewer decibels of noise, 50 percent less pollution and use 13 percent less fuel compared with its competitors. But it also brings more... The C919 will be the largest commercial airliner built in China.

Jian Min, Chief Accountant of Commercial Aircraft Corp. of China, said, "It is more user-friendly. The space between the seats is widened. Doors for luggage compartments open downward, which makes it more convenient for passengers to stow their luggage. The windows on the plane are bigger to provide a better view of the scenery outside."

The C919 is a medium/short-range commercial airliner with a designed economic life of 90,000 flight hours or 30 calendar years. So far, COMAC has received more than 280 orders for its C919. It hopes to launch a maiden flight in 2014 and deliver the first C919 in 2016. What’s more, the International Airlines Group signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation with COMAC on Monday.

Willie Walsh, Chief Executive of International Aairlines Group, said, "More and more I’m hearing the senior leaders of Boeing and Airbus talk about COMAC as a new competitor to what it is they are doing. So for an airline, this is great, because competition drives greater efficiency in the aircraft, and hopefully competition will drive more attractive prices for airlines."

The biennial Farnborough International Airshow, held during July 9 to 15, has drawn 1,506 exhibitors from 39 countries and some 250,000 aviation experts and visitors.

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