COMAC’s New C919-600 Variant Spotted Testing

China’s Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) has taken another step in expanding its growing C919 family, with the first example of the new C919-600 variant now being spotted carrying out taxi and high-speed braking tests in Shanghai.

The aircraft, registered B-002U, represents a significant new development for the Chinese airframer. While the standard C919 has already entered airline service with several Chinese carriers, the C919-600 has been designed for a much more specialised role: operating from some of the highest airports in the world.

First Prototype Begins Ground Testing

Recent images and video shared online show the prototype C919-600 conducting taxi and high-speed braking runs at COMAC’s facilities near Shanghai Pudong Airport. These tests are a normal part of the certification process and help engineers evaluate aircraft handling, braking performance and systems before the aircraft progresses to flight testing.

The aircraft involved is the first prototype of the type, carrying the test registration B-002U. It was rolled out earlier this year and has now entered the next phase of its development programme. Flight testing is expected to follow as COMAC moves towards certification of the new variant.

For aviation enthusiasts, the appearance of the aircraft is particularly interesting because it introduces the first major derivative of the C919 narrowbody family.

The COMAC C919-600 is similar to the Airbus’s A319Neo and is the shortened high-altitude “Plateau” variant of China’s… pic.twitter.com/u69bQJx5at

What Is The C919-600?

The C919-600 is a shortened version of the standard C919 airliner. Whereas today’s production C919 is designed to compete directly with the Airbus A320neo and Boeing 737 MAX 8, the new variant targets a different part of the market.

COMAC has effectively removed six fuselage frame sections from the aircraft, creating a shorter and lighter airframe capable of carrying between 140 and 160 passengers. The reduction in weight improves performance, particularly when operating from airports where thin air can significantly reduce aircraft and engine efficiency.

The aircraft has therefore been developed as a direct competitor to smaller narrowbody variants such as the Airbus A319neo and Boeing 737-700.

Built For The Tibetan Plateau

The primary reason for developing the C919-600 is China’s growing need for aircraft capable of serving airports located on the Tibetan Plateau and other high-altitude regions.

Airports situated several thousand feet above sea level present unique challenges. The thinner air reduces engine thrust and wing lift, requiring aircraft either to carry fewer passengers or be specially adapted for these conditions.

COMAC began working with Tibet Airlines on the project in 2023, creating what is often referred to as the aircraft’s “plateau” version. The goal is to allow the C919 family to operate efficiently from China’s extensive network of high-altitude airports.

One of the design targets is operation from airports above 3,000 metres (9,840 feet), including some of the highest commercial airports in the world. COMAC has stated that the aircraft is intended to serve demanding destinations across western China where performance requirements are considerably greater than at sea-level airports.

How Does It Differ From Other C919 Models?

While the standard C919 remains focused on mainstream domestic and regional routes, the C919-600 introduces several key differences.

Most obvious is the shorter fuselage, reducing passenger capacity from the standard aircraft’s typical layout and bringing seating down to around 140-160 passengers. The lower weight provides a higher thrust-to-weight ratio and improved take-off performance in hot-and-high conditions.

The variant also forms part of COMAC’s broader strategy to create a complete family of aircraft. Alongside the standard model, the manufacturer has discussed both shorter and stretched derivatives that could eventually cover markets ranging from around 140 seats up to more than 200 passengers.

For COMAC, this mirrors the approach taken by Airbus and Boeing, whose A320 and 737 families include multiple fuselage lengths tailored to different airline requirements.

Title image: @老王RR涡扇花动机