The MC-21-310 and the Chinese COMAC C919 are designed for the same medium-haul market. Both aircraft are designed for approximately 160–190 passengers and are intended to compete with the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737.
"Pervy Tekhnichesky" compared the two airliners across five key criteria and identified the more successful one.
Capacity and Cabin
The MC-21-310 is designed for 163–211 passengers, depending on the configuration. The fuselage width is about 4.06 m, which allows for a more spacious cabin.
The C919 is designed for approximately 158–192 passengers. In its maximum configuration, the Chinese aircraft can accommodate up to 192 people.
In terms of potential capacity and interior space, the "MSka" looks stronger, so we give it the win.
Range
The original MC-21-300 version claimed a range of up to 6000 km, but after replacing foreign systems, the aircraft became heavier by approximately 5–6 tons.
In June 2026, the MC-21-310 completed a test flight of approximately 3800 km. The basic C919 has a claimed range of about 4075 km.
Therefore, in this parameter, the competitors are currently at roughly the same level, it's a draw here.
Engines
The MC-21-310 received two PD-14 engines with a maximum takeoff thrust of about 14 tons each. The C919 is equipped with CFM LEAP-1C engines, developing approximately 13.5 tons of thrust each.
The PD-14 was created as a modern turbofan engine designed to reduce specific fuel consumption, while the LEAP-1C already has extensive real-world operating statistics and is optimized specifically for the C919 family, so a draw would be more logical.
Aerodynamics and Design
One of the main advantages of the MC-21 is its composite wing with high aspect ratio. It allows for reduced aerodynamic drag and improved aircraft performance.
The C919 also received a modern wing and aerodynamics, but the Russian project initially placed a more serious bet on composite structures, a point in favor of the MC-21-310.
Readiness for Operation
Here, the advantage is entirely on the side of the Chinese aircraft.
The C919 began commercial operations back in 2023 and is already being operated by major Chinese airlines. The MC-21-310 is just entering series production – the first production aircraft made its maiden flight in 2026.
For airlines, this is a significant difference. The C919 already has real flight statistics, while the Russian airliner still needs to accumulate operational experience and ramp up production; the Chinese model wins.
Final score – 2:1 in favor of the MC-21.
The Russian aircraft wins in terms of capacity and aerodynamic concept. The C919 is stronger in terms of readiness for mass operation, and in terms of range and engines, the aircraft are on par.
The main intrigue now is not in the passport characteristics, but in production: the MC-21-310 will have to prove its advantages in regular operation, where the C919 has had several years' head start.