ZHUHAI, China, Nov 12 (Reuters) - Chinese planemaker COMAC has rebranded its ARJ21 regional jet as the C909, aligning the plane with the state-owned firm's naming convention for its other models as it seeks to present itself as an alternative to dominant Western planemakers.

At China’s largest air show in Zhuhai, COMAC (Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China) announced that Air China is the first customer for its C929

China becomes the second country, after the US, to operate two stealth fighters, following the F-22 and F-35 in the US Air Force.

Air China will be the launch customer for the Comac C929 widebody aircraft. The OEM and flag carrier signed a framework agreement on Nov. 12 at the Zhuhai Airshow, which is expected to see Air China contribute to the development of the C929, especially in the area of long-haul operations. Comac has...

Air China and COMAC have reportedly signed a framework agreement for the airline to become the launch customer for the C929 long-haul widebody aircraft.

COMAC announced that Air China is the first customer for its C929 aircraft, aimed at competing with Airbus and Boeing. Hainan Airlines ordered 60 C919s and 40 C909s, while Colorful Guizhou Airlines committed to 30 C909s.

COMAC said on Tuesday that Air China would be the launch customer for the Chinese planemaker's C929 widebody aircraft under development that is designed to compete with twin-aisle models from Airbus and Boeing .