Chinese aircraft manufacturer COMAC opened its appearance at the Singapore Airshow with the first-ever order for the firefighting variant of the C909 regional aircraft, officially marking the market debut of the C909F. The order takes the form of a letter of intent signed with Chinese operator Shanxi Victory General Aircraft and covers three firm aircraft along with three additional options. This represents the first customer commitment for the C909F and a significant milestone for COMAC as it expands into the special-mission and government operations segment.
According to the manufacturer, the C909 firefighting variant is capable of carrying up to 10 metric tons of water or fire retardant, while accommodating up to 19 crew members and support personnel. The aircraft received certification from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) in December 2025, clearing the way for operational deployment within China and potentially in export markets that recognize Chinese certification.
At the Singapore Airshow, COMAC is displaying two C909 aircraft, one of them configured as a medical aircraft, alongside two C919 narrowbody jets. Separately, the medical version of the C909—known as the Medical Service Jet—has also received approval from the Shanghai Municipal Health Commission to perform specialized medical procedures, including ophthalmology and ear, nose and throat (ENT) treatments. The first medical-configured aircraft has already been delivered to Fudan University Hospital, where it is being used as an airborne medical platform.
COMAC states that a typical C909 Medical Service Jet configuration includes an intensive care unit section with two operating beds, as well as seating for up to 24 passengers. The first order for the firefighting C909F, signed in Singapore, further underlines the manufacturer’s strategy of developing the base regional jet into a broader family of special-mission variants, strengthening its presence beyond the traditional passenger aircraft market.
