Seven months after the maiden flight of the Chinese C919 passenger jet, the second prototype took to the skies. On December 17, 2017, the second of six test planes performed in-flight system and equipment tests in Shanghai, China, Xinhua reports.

According to the Chinese agency, the tests were focused on take-off, navigation, communications, speed operation and landing. Reuters adds that engine tests are in particular focus in testing of all six C919 prototypes.

C919 is the first passenger plane made in China. Designed to compete with industry staples Airbus 320 and Boeing 737, C919 aircraft has a layout of 158 to 168 seats, and a range of 4,075 to 5,555 kilometers. It is manufactured by COMAC – the Shanghai-based Chinese state-owned aircraft manufacturer.

The first aircraft rolled out in November, 2015 and had its first test flight in May, 2017. In November 2017, it completed the first long-distance test flight, with the long-haul journey marking the fifth test flight. In total, COMAC plans to produce six test planes.

The follow-up model – C929 – was announced in 2011 and could be introduced in 2025, with its maiden flights and first deliveries taking part in 2025-2028. The C929 will be a 250-to-280-seat wide-body twinjet airliner aimed to compete with larger (and more profitable) analogs from Boeing and Airbus – the B747 and A340. It will be built together with Russia and will rely on Western technology less than its narrow-body predecessor.