ARJ21

The ARJ21, also written ARJ-21, is a regional jet airliner developed by the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC). It is designed to carry about 70 to 90 passengers in typical seating, on short to medium-range routes primarily within China and nearby regions.

Development of the ARJ21 began in the early 2000s as part of China’s effort to build a domestically produced civil aircraft industry. The aircraft’s first flight occurred on May 28, 2008. After extensive testing and evaluation, CAAC granted type certification in December 2014, allowing commercial service to begin in 2016.

Design features of the ARJ21 include a low-wing, twin-engine configuration with engines mounted under the wings. The aircraft is configured for regional operations, emphasizing efficiency and a practical cabin layout suitable for shorter routes. It incorporates standard avionics and safety features appropriate for civilian regional jets and is built to meet contemporary airworthiness requirements.

Production and service are centered at COMAC’s Shanghai facilities. A number of Chinese airlines operate the ARJ21-700 variant, reflecting the program’s focus on domestic and regional markets. The ARJ21 represents China’s ongoing efforts to expand its civil aviation manufacturing capabilities and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers for regional airliners.

Variants and future developments have typically centered on the ARJ21-700 production model, with industry discussions about potential higher-capacity or alternate-powered variants, though such versions have not entered commercial service.