Participants at the 19th Dubai Airshow have expressed admiration when visiting China's domestically developed C919 passenger jet, which is making its Middle East debut at the five-day aviation event.
Nearly 100 Chinese aviation firms are participating in one of the world's largest aerospace exhibitions, which got underway on Monday.
Organizers said the airshow, themed "The Future Is Here," has drawn more than 1,500 exhibitors, including 440 first-time participants. Over 200 aircraft are on display, ranging from commercial, military, and private jets to unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and next-generation aviation technologies.
Among the Chinese participants, the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) is showcasing one C919 and one C909 aircraft, while China Southern Airlines has brought an additional C919. The appearance of the C919 marks its first showing in the Middle East, with COMAC staging a flight demonstration of the China-made passenger plane at the venue.
Operated by China Southern Airlines, the C919 on display features a 164-seat, three-cabin layout. Its interior features the latest design theme reflecting Oriental aesthetics. The cabin offers people from the Middle East region a glimpse into China's next-generation passenger experience, where visual elegance meets enhanced onboard comfort. "For this year's Dubai Airshow, we have specifically implemented our innovative future cabin design on the C919 aircraft. Through static displays and onboard tours, we aim to showcase the advanced cockpit design and the comfort of our cabin, allowing potential customers to gain a deeper understanding of this aircraft model," said Ni Kai, deputy general manager of Strategic Planning and Investment Department of China Southern Airlines Group.
On Monday, scores of exhibitors and industry professionals boarded the C919 for an up-close tour. Beyond experiencing the passenger cabin, visitors stepped into the cockpit for face-to-face exchanges with the pilots, gaining firsthand insight into the aircraft's design and functionality.
"Even the seats are quite, quite comfortable actually, and I found it very well organized. It has much space as well. So yes, it's the first time for me to actually see this aircraft. I was very curious about it," said Alexander, a flight attendant at the Dubai Aviation Corporation.
"I had a sit on some of the seats and it was very comfortable. The Chinese aircraft manufacturers have built over many, many, many years, they've built up their reputation, their technology, their knowledge. It's a good aircraft, from what I've heard, the performance is also good," said Stefan Eiselin, publisher of the German magazine Aerotelegraph.
"It is impressive, definitely impressive. And the quality, everything looks really, really good and perfect, I'd say. All the small details look really perfect. All the interior, the materials used look really nice," said Jarno Virtanen, sales director, Oy Galvatek Ab.
Chinese-made UAVs and electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft also captured attention.
With an estimated 148,000 trade visitors, this year's Dubai Airshow is on track to become the largest in the event's history.
Dubai Airshow participants impressed by China's C919 passenger jet
