How is the Chinese aircraft C919 that just arrived in Vietnam different from the Airbus A320?

Both are narrow-body passenger aircraft, Europe's Airbus A320 has been in operation since the 1980s, while China's C919 first debuted in 2024.

The C919 is a narrow-body passenger aircraft with a length of nearly 39m, a capacity of 168 passengers, and a maximum flight range of 4,075km. This aircraft seat configuration is similar to the Boeing 737 Max and A320/321 models with a middle aisle and two rows of seats, 3 on each side.

The C919 is the first civil aircraft in China designed and manufactured by Comac. Airplanes are made in China, but still use most components from the US and Europe. The C919 uses CFM International LEAP engines from American and French manufacturers. This engine is also used on Airbus A320 neo aircraft.

The design at the front of the C919 is quite similar to the A320 narrow-body aircraft line. The communication and navigation system is installed at the front of the Comac aircraft from supplier Rockwell Collins (USA). In addition, the aircraft also has a number of other parts from American manufacturers such as wheels and brakes (Honeywell), aluminum fuselage shell (Acronic), black box (GE).

However, the tail and four wings of the C919 are provided by China Aviation Technology Corporation (AVIC). This is also a Chinese state-owned enterprise specializing in the production of military and aviation equipment.