Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) completed the maiden test flight of its new C919 high-altitude variant in Shanghai on July 29, 2026. The prototype aircraft, designated as the C919-600 and registered B-002U, took off from Shanghai Pudong International Airport and landed back at the airport after a flight duration of one hour and 59 minutes.
COMAC stated that the aircraft completed all scheduled test flight maneuvers during its initial flight. Based on the standard baseline model, the C919-600 incorporates targeted system adjustments and a shortened fuselage, with six frames removed, to meet operational requirements at high-altitude airports.
The C919-600 variant is designed with a seating capacity between 140 and 160 passengers. The high-altitude aircraft is being jointly developed by COMAC and Tibet Airlines as part of the C919 series development program.
