A DEMONSTRATION model of the C919 trunkliner’s forward fuselage was unveiled at the 49th Paris Air Show yesterday, a debut for the first China-made large passenger aircraft overseas.

The model featured the cockpit and forward section of the cabin — 17 meters in length, 5.6 meters in height and 3.96 meters in width. It was first on public display at the 2010 Zhuhai Air Show.

Jin Zhuanglong, president of the Commercial Aircraft Corp. of China Ltd. (Comac), C919’s manufacturer, said the group was expecting a few order contracts in the coming days.

The group is also expected to ink a deal with engine maker CFM International for a C919 propulsion system. A memorandum of understanding for cooperation with Irish low-cost airline Ryanair was signed during the show, sources close to Comac said.

With a designed life of 90,000 flight hours or 30 calendar years, the C919 is a medium-to-short-range commercial trunkliner.

The basic version of the C919 has 168 economy-class seats and 156 hybrid-class seats. Its designed standard range is 4,075km with an extended range of 5,555km.

Comac plans to launch the first maiden flight of the C919 in 2014 with the aircraft going into service by 2016.

The Paris Air Show opened yesterday at Le Bourget, northeast of Paris. The air show, held every second year in the summer, has been the leading international air show for more than a century.

This year’s show attracted a record 2,100 exhibitors with 59 of the world’s top 100 firms in the industry displaying their wares. (Xinhua)