Recently, Chinese aviation enthusiasts spotted a Comac ARJ21
aircraft painted with the new C909 livery at Shanghai Pudong International Airport
(PVG). This indicates that COMAC plans to rebrand its first model, the ARJ21-700 regional aircraft, as the C909, aligning it with the naming of other aircraft in its product line, such as the C919 and C929.
Photo: 不Chi胡萝卜的兔子 / Weibo
Based on the information from the photos, the first ARJ21 to adopt the new branding bears the manufacturer’s serial number 10156 and a temporary national registration number of B-099A.
The aircraft is believed to have been painted at COMAC’s Shanghai Aircraft Manufacturing base close to Shanghai Pudong International Airport. It is expected to be officially unveiled during the 2024 China Airshow in Zhuhai next month, making it a significant moment for the aircraft’s repositioning.
The ARJ21’s Pro version
Reports suggest that the C909 is essentially a “Pro” version of the ARJ21, featuring improvements in fuel efficiency, avionics upgrades, optimized flight control systems, an increased maximum seating capacity of 97 seats, and an enhanced maximum payload by several hundred kilograms. It also boasts better performance for high-altitude and short, narrow runway operations. However, the aircraft’s engine remains unchanged, continuing to use the CF34-10A engine.
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To date, COMAC has delivered 146 ARJ21-700 aircraft. The ARJ21 is operated by 11 Chinese domestic airlines (excluding COMAC itself) and one overseas customer, Indonesia’s TransNusa Airlines. The largest operators are 
Air China
and Chengdu Airlines
, each with 30 aircraft in their fleets, further demonstrating the aircraft’s impact on China’s regional aviation market.
By aligning the ARJ21 under the C9X9 banner, COMAC seeks to unify its products and build a more recognizable and cohesive brand identity, elevating its standing in the global market.
Photo: Comac
This rebranding effort is expected to bring greater market recognition to the ARJ21, which has faced challenges in gaining international traction despite its domestic success. The aircraft has so far been primarily operated by Chinese domestic airlines, and the rebranding as the C909 could potentially open doors to more overseas markets, including in regions like Southeast Asia and Africa.
The challenges that ARJ21 program faces
Despite the success of delivering 146 ARJ21 aircraft, the program is facing an emerging issue of production overcapacity. While COMAC has delivered over 20 aircraft annually for five consecutive years, the order backlog is rapidly depleting. The ARJ21’s largest customers, such as Air China, China Southern Airlines, and Chengdu Airlines, are nearing the completion of their orders. Since 2021, only one significant order has been secured. Without new customers or additional orders, COMAC may face the challenge of unsold aircraft accumulating by mid-2025, risking overproduction with no clear solution.
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Here’s Why COMAC’s ARJ21 Might Face An Overcapacity Problem In The Future
Six years later, the ARJ21 program once again urgently needs new orders, customers, or solutions to address overcapacity issues.
The recent decision to rebrand the ARJ21 as the C909 is seen as a strategic move to address this looming overcapacity issue. COMAC aims to enhance the aircraft’s market appeal, both domestically and internationally. The C909 branding could help reposition the aircraft and attract new customers, especially in emerging markets. This rebranding effort is part of COMAC’s broader strategy to open new sales channels and secure additional orders, potentially alleviating the production surplus challenge.