Honeywell celebrates with the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China Ltd. (COMAC) today on the historic rollout of the C919 narrow-body aircraft. As a key supplier and partner of COMAC, Honeywell provides a wide range of products and systems for this ground-breaking aircraft.

“The rollout of the C919 aircraft marks an important milestone not only for COMAC, but for China and the entire global aerospace industry,” said Briand Greer, president, Asia Pacific, Honeywell Aerospace. “It represents the next step in our joint efforts to launch the C919 and highlights Honeywell's long-term commitment to China's aviation industry. We look forward to continued close collaboration with the COMAC team in preparation for the first flight next year.”

Greer was among several members of the Honeywell Aerospace team who attended the formal rollout ceremony. Ma Kai, vice prime minister, Han Zheng, communist party secretary of Shanghai, Li Jiaxiang, administrator of the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), Miao Wei, minister of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Yang Xiong, mayor of Shanghai, Jin Zhuanglong, chairman & CPC secretary of COMAC, and thousands of guests participated in the ceremony. Mr. He Dongfeng, president of COMAC, hosted the ceremony.

The C919 is the largest commercial airliner designed and built in China to date. It's designed to be safer, more efficient, more comfortable and greener. Total orders for the C919 are now up to 517 from more than 21 customers.

Honeywell and COMAC have a long history of working together on critical programs, including the recently CAAC certified ARJ-21 regional aircraft. In 2010 Honeywell was selected by COMAC to provide four essential systems for the C919, including flight control systems, wheels and brakes, auxiliary power units, and navigation systems. Honeywell has also been providing engineering and training support to COMAC to help improve the safety, reliability and operational efficiency of the C919 as part of Honeywell's comprehensive commitment to supporting the emergence of a globally competitive aviation sector in China.

“Honeywell Aerospace has invested heavily in China in engineering and technology capability with over 500 engineers and two joint ventures established to support COMAC,” Greer said. “We also share a commitment to contributing to society through joint social corporate responsibility efforts by providing extensive learning resources and technology to schools in rural western China in support of China's Belt and Road initiative and Honeywell Hometown Solutions.”

China's aerospace industry is the world's fastest-growing and Honeywell is both proud and committed to being a big part of it. The C919 is just the beginning of many great things ahead.