Top 7 China Commercial Aviation Companies & Aircraft Makers 2025
China's commercial aviation industry reached a historic milestone in 2025 as the COMAC C919 narrowbody airliner entered regular commercial service with multiple Chinese airlines, carrying over 10 million passengers. With 1,000+ C919 orders from domestic and international airlines, China is building a self-sufficient commercial aviation ecosystem spanning airframe manufacturing, engine development, avionics systems, and MRO (maintenance, repair, overhaul). The total market is projected to exceed RMB 1 trillion by 2030.
TL;DR: COMAC C919 entered commercial service with 10M+ passengers carried. China has 1,000+ C919 orders and is developing the C929 widebody with international partners. The aviation supply chain ecosystem is rapidly maturing with domestic content reaching 60%+.
Top Companies
COMAC (中国商飞)
1,000+ C919 ordersCOMAC is China's state-owned commercial aircraft manufacturer. The C919 narrowbody has entered service with China Eastern, Air China, China Southern, and Hainan Airlines. Its C929 widebody program (in development with international partners) targets the long-haul market dominated by Boeing 787 and Airbus A350.
AECC (中国航发)
CJ-1000A engine in testAero Engine Corporation of China is developing the CJ-1000A turbofan engine to power the C919, replacing the current CFM LEAP-1C. The engine is in advanced flight testing, with certification expected by 2027. AECC also develops engines for military and general aviation applications.
AVIC (中国航空工业)
RMB 500B+ revenueAVIC is China's largest aerospace and defense conglomerate, producing military aircraft, helicopters, UAVs, and aviation components. Its commercial division supplies C919 wing structures, fuselage sections, and landing gear systems, contributing 30%+ of C919 airframe value.
China Express Airlines (华夏航空)
50+ ARJ21 aircraftChina Express Airlines is the largest operator of the COMAC ARJ21 regional jet with 50+ aircraft in service. It operates 200+ regional routes connecting China's Tier 3-4 cities, demonstrating the ARJ21's reliability in daily commercial operations.
AVIC Optoelectronics (中航光电)
Aviation connector leaderAVIC Optoelectronics is China's leading manufacturer of aviation electrical connectors, fiber optic interconnects, and avionics components. It supplies connectors for the C919 flight control system and communications equipment, with a 60%+ domestic market share in aviation connectors.
COMAC Shanghai (商飞上飞)
C919 final assemblyCOMAC's Shanghai Aircraft Manufacturing facility handles C919 final assembly, flight testing, and delivery. The facility has achieved a production rate of 50+ aircraft per year, with plans to expand to 150 per year by 2028 to meet the 1,000+ order backlog.
Haite High-Tech (海特高新)
MRO market leaderHaite High-Tech is China's largest independent aviation MRO provider, maintaining both Western and Chinese aircraft. It has expanded to support C919 and ARJ21 maintenance, offering engine overhaul, component repair, and line maintenance services at 15+ locations across China.
Comparison Table
| Company | Role | Key Product | Commercial Status | Revenue (RMB B) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| COMAC | Aircraft manufacturer | C919, ARJ21, C929(dev) | C919 in service | 30+ |
| AECC | Engine manufacturer | CJ-1000A turbofan | In flight testing | 20+ |
| AVIC | Aerospace conglomerate | Airframe components | C919 supplier | 500+ |
| China Express | Regional airline | ARJ21 operations | 50+ aircraft | 5+ |
| AVIC Optoelectronics | Avionics components | Connectors, interconnects | C919 supplier | 2+ |
| COMAC Shanghai | Assembly & delivery | C919 final assembly | 50+ aircraft/year | 10+ |
| Haite High-Tech | MRO services | Aircraft maintenance | 15+ locations | 1.5+ |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the COMAC C919 flying commercially?
Yes, the C919 entered commercial service in 2023 and by 2025 has carried over 10 million passengers with multiple Chinese airlines including China Eastern, Air China, China Southern, and Hainan Airlines. COMAC has delivered 50+ aircraft and produces 50+ more annually.
How many C919 orders does COMAC have?
COMAC has accumulated 1,000+ C919 orders from domestic and international airlines. Major Chinese carriers account for 70%+ of orders, with interest from Southeast Asian, Middle Eastern, and African airlines. The production ramp-up targets 150 aircraft/year by 2028.
When will China have its own commercial aircraft engine?
The AECC CJ-1000A turbofan engine for the C919 is in advanced flight testing, with certification expected by 2027. This will replace the current CFM LEAP-1C dependency. The engine achieves 95%+ thrust performance parity with Western equivalents.
What is the domestic content of the C919?
The C919 currently has approximately 60% domestic Chinese content by value, including airframe structures (AVIC), avionics systems, and interior components. The remaining 40% includes the engine (CFM, to be replaced by AECC), flight control computers, and some hydraulic systems.
Will China build a widebody aircraft?
Yes, COMAC is developing the C929 widebody twin-aisle aircraft in partnership with Russian and international suppliers. The C929 targets the 280-350 seat segment competing with Boeing 787 and Airbus A350, with first flight expected around 2028-2030.