UTC Aerospace Systems, a unit of United Technologies Corp., today joined with the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China, Ltd. (COMAC) in celebrating the first flight of the C919, the first large commercial jetliner designed and built in China.

The first flight of the C919 marks China's first step in entering the narrow-body commercial aviation arena and offers COMAC the opportunity to capitalize on the forecasted growth of aviation in China, considered the world's fastest growing aviation market. COMAC has already secured more than 500 C919 orders from 23 customers.

"At UTC Aerospace Systems, we have a broad and deep portfolio of systems-level solutions that enables airframers to build aircraft customized to their customers' unique specifications," said Dave Gitlin, President, UTC Aerospace Systems. "We are thrilled to see COMAC's tremendous progress, and we congratulate them on the first flight of the C919. We are proud to be onboard."

UTC Aerospace Systems' technology can be found throughout the C919. Key systems include: electric power, emergency power, cockpit and thrust controllers, interior and exterior lighting, emergency passenger door actuation, fire protection, and ice detection and prevention.

"Our systems expertise, deep industry knowledge and in-country investment have helped us build a strong working relationship with COMAC," added Gitlin. "And we look forward to celebrating many more milestones with COMAC in the future."