Zhao Chunling, chief designer of China's wide-body C929 aircraft with Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC), is the first woman chief designer in China's aviation industry to lead a major national aircraft program. During the past three decades, Zhao has worked on the frontline while she has participated in the design, development and testing of the C909 and C919 aircraft. She is currently leading her team in the design of the C929 aircraft. Zhao was named a National March 8th Red-Banner Pacesetter, and one of the "2025 Most Beautiful Women Strivers," in March.
During an interview with Women of China English Monthly, Zhao said she was grateful for the new era, which has provided her with the precious opportunity to work on the grand stage of China's aircraft-manufacturing industry. "If women keep showing passion, deep love, confidence and hard work in this industry, like me, we will surely contribute our wisdom and strength to the advancement of the aircraft industry in China," Zhao says.
"Tenacity, precision and caution" — these are the traits Zhao demonstrates while leading her team in achieving breakthroughs in the research and design of large-passenger aircraft in China. She is a delegate to the 13th National Women's Congress of China, and she has received several honors at the national and municipal levels throughout the years.
"In my workplace, I have grown from an ordinary designer to a head designer, then to a deputy chief designer, and now, to a chief designer. My positions, roles and the challenges I had to face changed over time, but my passion for aviation and my fearless determination have never wavered," says Zhao.
Climbing Research 'Peak'
Zhao graduated from Northwestern Polytechnical University in 1991. She says working in China's aviation industry is "something of great worth."
Since 2009, when she joined COMAC, Zhao has played her role in the design, development and testing of the C909 and C919 aircraft.
In 2012, Zhao was appointed deputy chief designer of the avionics and electrical systems for the C909 aircraft. She led her team in testing the aircraft, and the team achieved breakthroughs that ensured the aircraft was certified as airworthy. "The design of aircraft requires one to constantly strive for perfection. We must work with concentration and care to do the best job in technological research and innovation," Zhao emphasizes.
Development of the C919 large-passenger aircraft was a challenge for Zhao. To meet the strictest-ever international standards on an aircraft's crew-alerting system, in 2020, she organized a special team, composed οf professionals from 40 fields covering design, test flight and customer service. The team conducted numerous calculations, simulator tests and test flights, and the C919 aircraft eventually became the world's first aircraft to receive certification for the most updated, strict crew-alerting system.
In 2023, Zhao was appointed chief designer οf the C929 long-range, wide-body passenger aircraft. As she has led her team in climbing the new research "peak" in producing China's commercial aircraft, Zhao says she has shouldered, with her team, a glorious, yet arduous, mission. The team has spared no effort in coping with new challenges. The team is determined to fulfill the goal οf manufacturing a wide-body passenger aircraft with a better flight performance, a better airport-operation and intelligence function, a smarter and more comfortable design, and which will be competitive in the international aircraft industry.
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| Zhao Chunling is named a National March 8th RedBanner Pacesetter, and one of the "2025 Most Beautiful Women Strivers." [Photo by Zhang Jiamin] |
Playing Women's Role in Aircraft-Manufacturing Industry
As a designer who works in the aviation industry, Zhao believes their tenacity, precision, caution and soft strength help women stand out as researchers during the manufacturing of commercial aircraft.
"Tenacity ensures women stay calm and stable when we face various difficulties. Precision and caution enable us to strive for perfection, and to be sensitive as we capture details, which will be key to solving problems. We are generally understanding, and good at showing our care and concern for team members, so we can help create a harmonious and inclusive atmosphere in the workplace," Zhao explains.
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women, which was held in Beijing in 1995. Zhao is glad to see the "seed sown" during the conference has generated good results.
"Hundreds of millions of Chinese women are making efforts, and demonstrating remarkable achievements, in all walks of life. As an aircraft designer, and a worker in the field of science and technology, I am looking forward to witnessing the meeting (Global Leaders' Meeting on Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment) marking the 30th anniversary of the conference, which will be held later this year. Scientific and technological revolution and industrial transformation are evolving at a fast speed globally. I am sure China's hosting of the meeting will boost women's development in science and technology," Zhao says.
There can be no doubt Chinese women are holding up half the sky in the country's manufacturing sector and innovation drive, Zhao says. She hopes more young women will have the courage to challenge themselves and pursue their dreams.
"Whether it is in a laboratory, equipped with precision instruments, in a manufacturing plant, filled with weight equipment, on a competitive field of sports games, or on the seemingly boundless farmland, women can strive to achieve our goals. By harnessing women's strength, together, we will play a greater role in advancing global development," Zhao says.
Photos from Interviewee
(Women of China English Monthly June 2025)
Editor: Wang Shasha
