Comac begins design work for new ‘C939’ widebody: Report

China’s Comac has reportedly began working on preliminary designs for a new widebody aircraft under the C939 moniker. A report from Hong Kong’s South China Morning Post, citing an unnamed source, says the Shanghai-based airframer has drawn out design concepts for the new jet, but notes that it will take several years before an actual prototype is being developed. The report, published 13 May, offers no technical specifications about the new programme, including the number of engines or its seat count. Contacted by FlightGlobal, Comac declined to comment, and would only say to wait for official confirmation. The report also notes that Comac’s other in-development widebody programme, the C929, is making good progress. Comac is looking to pitch the programme as an alternative to Boeing’s 787 and Airbus’s A330. The C929 was a former joint venture with Russian airframer United Aircraft, but the alliance was quietly scuppered following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. In April, Comac kicked off a series of research meetings, bringing together a large group of academics, scientists and engineers, as well as government officials. The C929, which has yet to clinch a launch customer, will have around 280 seats and has a range of up to 6,480nm (12,000km), according to Comac.<br/>