China's C919 Makes Strides Against Boeing and Airbus, but Engine Dependency Looms (xataka.com)

• C919 flew 3,190 sorties in April 2026 (+117.9% YoY)
• 36 aircraft in service across three major Chinese airlines
• EASA certification process: 3-6 years from technical familiarization
• Engine reliance on LEAP-1C; indigenous CJ-1000A in development

"COMAC's C919 single-aisle aircraft completed 3,190 flights in April 2026, a 117.9% increase year-over-year, with total commercial flights surpassing 42,000 since service entry. The fleet of 36 jets is operated by China Eastern, Air China, and China Southern, connecting 29 airports. However, reliance on Western LEAP-1C engines and slow EASA certification (3-6 years) limit global ambitions. China is developing the indigenous CJ-1000A engine to reduce vulnerability."