Even labor shortages are slowing production of China’s C919 jet

COMAC is facing multiple hurdles in its effort to accelerate production of the C919 airliner, with only five aircraft delivered so far in 2026 despite ambitious plans to ramp up output of China’s answer to the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 families, the South China Morning Post reported.

Data compiled by Air Data News shows that one aircraft was delivered in February, two in March and two in April. No deliveries were recorded in January.

Since entering commercial service in May 2023, the C919 has reached 37 deliveries. China Eastern Airlines leads the fleet with 15 aircraft, followed by Air China with 11 and China Southern Airlines with 10. One additional aircraft remains with COMAC for demonstration activities.

The manufacturer delivered 16 aircraft in 2025, far below earlier expectations that output would accelerate much faster. Only the three largest Chinese carriers have more than 300 firm orders for the C919.

According to the report, COMAC continues to deal with a combination of external and internal constraints. While major structural sections of the aircraft are produced domestically, the C919 still depends on Western suppliers for critical systems such as LEAP-1C engines and avionics.

Analysts cited by the publication said some completed aircraft may be waiting for engines, while shortages affecting global aerospace suppliers continue to limit output.

The report also cited labor shortages and the complexity of aircraft manufacturing as additional obstacles as COMAC tries to increase production of a jet that remains central to China’s long-term plan to reduce dependence on Boeing and Airbus.