China’s homegrown jets make their debut at Dubai Airshow

China’s homegrown jets made their debut with its C919 passenger aircraft performing a flight display for the public and potential clients on Monday (November 17, 2025) at one of the world’s largest aviation exhibitions in Dubai.

This is the first time that the manufacturer of the two aircrafts — State-owned Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) — participated in the Dubai Airshow, among the world’s largest aviation exhibitions. A C919 at Singapore Airshow in February 2024 was the first time that Comac brought the aircraft to an international stage.

In the static display area at Dubai’s Airshow, a C919 aircraft from China Southern Airlines and the COMAC C909 business jet were showcased together.

COMAC will present the latest achievements in the development of China’s commercial aircraft through flight displays, static exhibitions, and product presentations, aiming to deepen exchanges and mutual trust with the global aviation industry, according to its press statement.

There are more than 1,500 exhibitors at the Dubai Airshow, and over 148,000 attendees are expected at the five-day event from November 17 to 21. More than 200 aircraft are on display and 115 countries are represented through their official delegations.

The China Southern Airlines C919 comprises 164-seats in a three-class cabin layout. It has a seating capacity of 158-192 passengers and a range of 4,075-5,555 kilometers. 26 C919s have been delivered, operating on over 30 routes.

The C909 business jet offers a spacious and comfortable cabin, which can be configured with rest and dining areas providing solutions for 12 to 29 seats to meet diverse needs. It has a seating capacity of 78 to 97 passengers and a range of 2,225-3,700 kilometers. Over 170 of these have been delivered to domestic and international customers.

Monday (November 17) also marked the first time the public witnessed a pilot electric vertical take-off (eVTOL) flight or a passenger carrying piloted drone of U.S. manufacturer Joby. The 10-minute flying display comes ahead of Dubai’s aviation and road transport authorities aiming to start air taxi services next year.

A day earlier, the same eVTOL completed its first point-to-point flight within the UAE flying between Margham and Al Maktoum International Airport.

(The journalist is covering Dubai Airshow 2025 on the invitation of flydubai)