China aims to launch its self-developed c919 aircraft in Southeast Asian markets by 2026, with potential European certification as early as this year.
During a recent interview, Yang Yang, Deputy General Manager of Comac’s Marketing Center, discussed the company’s strategy for international expansion. He stated:
Breaking the Duopoly in China’s Aviation Market
Air China, China Eastern Airlines, and China Southern Airlines are already operating the C919 on domestic routes. On January 1, China Eastern began using the C919 on its Shanghai-Hong Kong route, marking the aircraft’s first commercial flight outside mainland China.
The inaugural flight received widespread media coverage, emphasizing the symbolic significance of this milestone for COMAC’s international goals.
COMAC intends to challenge Boeing and Airbus’s long-standing dominance in the Chinese market. For decades, these industry titans have maintained a duopoly, but supply chain interruptions and delivery delays have hampered them, allowing new entrants such as COMAC to enter the market.
COMAC has delivered 16 C919 aircraft to the country’s three major central-government-owned airlines before the end of 2024, demonstrating their rapid production capability.
In late December, the business announced a large-scale manufacturing push to improve collaboration with suppliers and increase C919 production for wider deployment.
This strategic decision is intended to considerably enhance the aircraft’s delivery timetables and support COMAC’s ambitious plans to expand operations.
Targeting Southeast Asian skies.
Industry watchers point out that COMAC’s aspirations go beyond getting Western certifications. According to the Bangkok Post, the C919 could operate throughout Southeast Asia without European or US certificates, as long as it passes each country regulatory norms.
Southeast Asian regulators in Indonesia, Cambodia, and Laos may license aircraft without extra validation from Western agencies.
China Eastern and China Southern’s existing networks in Southeast Asia provide an excellent base for deploying the C919. These airlines have established routes to prominent locations such as Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, and Jakarta, making them excellent partners for evaluating the C919’s performance on regional international flights.
In 2024, Indonesia’s TransNusa became the first international airline to fly a Chinese-made Comac C909 (previously known as ARJ21) between Manado and Guangzhou. The airline is also allegedly considering the C919 for future use, indicating increased interest from smaller carriers.
COMAC expanded its international market presence by opening offices in Hong Kong and Singapore in October 2024. The Singapore office intends to improve direct engagement with regional stakeholders while also streamlining support services for prospective clients.
Strengthening international partnerships
Although the C919 has yet to receive full approval from Western aviation authorities, work is underway. In August 2024, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) finished its fourth round of on-site evaluations, a crucial stage in assessing aircraft regulation compliance.
According to EASA feedback, flight tests with European regulators might begin as early as 2025, indicating that COMAC is close to achieving a major milestone.
Observers point out that the EASA certification process is recognized for its severity, thus any advancement in this area demonstrates the C919’s rising legitimacy.
Observers believe C919’s recent debut on the Shanghai-Hong Kong route was a strategic move to raise its profile outside of mainland China.
“Hong Kong is an obvious choice for COMAC’s first international destination,” said a market analyst. “It’s a significant step toward increasing visibility for the aircraft in key regional markets. The route’s popularity and strategic importance make it an excellent testing ground.”
With strong domestic demand and a growing foreign presence, COMAC’s goal of establishing the C919 as a worldwide competitor appears to be within reach.
As the corporation seeks fresh opportunities, Southeast Asia is primed to serve as a proving ground for its global ambitions. Industry experts expect that as the aircraft’s footprint in the region grows, more airlines would consider adding the C919 to their fleets, hastening the diversification of the single-aisle market.
What is the COMAC C919?
The COMAC C919 is a narrow-body commercial aircraft developed by China to compete with Boeing and Airbus in the global aviation market.
Why is EU certification important for the C919?
EU certification allows the C919 to operate in European airspace, opening doors to international markets and enhancing its global competitiveness.
When does COMAC plan to start flights in Southeast Asia?
COMAC aims to begin operating C919 flights in Southeast Asian markets by 2026, expanding its presence in this growing aviation region.
What challenges does the C919 face in achieving EU certification?
Challenges include meeting strict safety and operational standards set by European regulators, as well as addressing any concerns regarding parts and performance.
How will the C919 impact the global aviation market?
The C919 aims to provide airlines with a cost-effective alternative to Boeing and Airbus, increasing competition and driving innovation in the aviation industry.