COMAC Secures First C909 Firefighting Orders at Singapore Airshow 2026

On the opening day of the Singapore Airshow 2026, the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) announced a significant agreement to supply specialized firefighting aircraft to a domestic operator. According to reporting by China Daily, COMAC signed a purchase agreement with Shanxi Victory General Aviation for the C909 firefighting aircraft, marking the first order for this specialized variant at the event.

The deal underscores COMAC’s ongoing strategy to diversify the utility of its regional jet platform, formerly known as the ARJ21. By securing orders for specialized variants, the manufacturer aims to demonstrate the versatility of its airframes beyond standard commercial passenger transport.

Deal Specifics and Buyer Profile

The agreement, finalized on February 3, 2026, involves a total of six aircraft. As detailed in the announcement, the order structure includes:

• 3 Firm Orders
• 3 Commitments of Intent (Options)

The buyer, Shanxi Victory General Aviation, is a veteran operator in the Chinese general aviation sector. Founded in 2010 and headquartered in Shanxi Province, the company specializes in emergency rescue, forest firefighting, and aerial sightseeing. While Shanxi Victory has previously operated a mixed fleet of helicopters and business jets, this transaction represents their first procurement of COMAC fixed-wing jet aircraft.

Technical Capabilities of the C909 Firefighter

The aircraft at the center of this deal is the C909 firefighting variant, a derivative of the regional jet previously marketed as the ARJ21-700. COMAC officially rebranded the airframe as the C909 in November 2024 to align with its “C-series” naming convention alongside the C919 and C929.

According to technical specifications released during the show, the C909 firefighting aircraft is designed for complex terrain and varied weather conditions. Key operational metrics include:

• Payload: A maximum water or retardant capacity of 10 tons (approximately 2,640 gallons).
• Personnel: Seating configuration for up to 19 mission crew members or firefighters.
• Certification: The variant received airworthiness approval from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) in December 2025.

Regional Context and Market Expansion

The Singapore Airshow has served as a critical platform for COMAC to showcase its growing footprint in Southeast Asia. In addition to the firefighting deal, the manufacturer is displaying the C919 narrow-body jet and a medical variant of the C909.

Data indicates that the C909 is steadily gaining traction in the region. Operators such as TransNusa in Indonesia, Lao Airlines in Laos, and VietJet Air in Vietnam are currently utilizing the platform. Reports suggest that nine C909 aircraft are currently in service across these Southeast Asian carriers, covering 20 routes and having transported over 700,000 passengers to date.

AirPro News Analysis

We view this transaction as a pivotal moment for COMAC’s product maturity. By successfully marketing specialized variants, such as medical and firefighting configurations, COMAC is following a trajectory similar to established Western manufacturers like Embraer and Bombardier, who have long maximized the lifecycle of their regional platforms through utility conversions.

The rebranding from ARJ21 to C909 appears to be more than cosmetic; it signals a unified family identity that may help normalize the aircraft in international markets. However, the true test remains the aircraft’s performance in high-intensity roles like aerial firefighting, where reliability under extreme conditions is paramount.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the C909?
The C909 is the new official name for the aircraft formerly known as the ARJ21. It was rebranded by COMAC in November 2024.

Who is the buyer?
The buyer is Shanxi Victory General Aviation, a Chinese company specializing in emergency rescue and forest firefighting.

When will the aircraft be delivered?
While specific delivery dates were not disclosed in the initial announcement, the aircraft type received certification in late 2025, clearing the path for production and handover.

Sources: China Daily