The airline said it expected to receive only one C919, made by state aircraft manufacturer COMAC, compared to the three previously planned.
China Eastern has placed firm orders for five of the planes, and the remaining four deliveries are now expected in 2023, according to half-year results released this week which provided the first update to its fleet plans since its annual report released in April.
China Eastern also placed an order with Airbus for 100 of its A320neo family aircraft in July, for delivery from 2023 to 2027, with the bulk expected from 2024.
Daiwa analyst Kevin Lau, citing a conference call with China Eastern management on Wednesday, told customers in a note that the airline was not affected by production issues at Airbus that have delayed deliveries to airlines. airlines and backers in recent months, as she thought her large order would give her priority.
“For the C919, China Eastern will be the first airline in the world to put it into commercial service,” he said. “However, management added that new orders for the C919 would be subject to the ramping up of Airbus capabilities.”
China Eastern did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
In terms of Airbus deliveries, China Eastern’s latest forecast sees it taking 19 A320neo family aircraft this year, 16 in 2023 and 28 in 2024. By comparison, its April forecast called for 22 aircraft this year, 13 in 2023 and none in 2024.
China’s aviation regulator said last month it was seeking industry feedback on special conditions for the C919, a sign that certification is near after years of delay.
Air China Ltd and China Southern Airlines Co Ltd and numerous Chinese aircraft lessors have also placed orders for the C919, but none have made firm forecasts of delivery dates.