GallopAir, based in Brunei, is the only airline outside of China to have bought the COMAC C919, and has begun flights with the Chinese plane maker’s sister jet, the C909 (originally the ARJ21).
Launching with charter flights
GallopAir began commercial operations with a charter flight on December 31, when China Southern Airlines sent one of its C909 aircraft to Brunei International Airport (BWN) to perform flights on behalf of the former. The regional plane, designated as B-657R, later took flight CZ5510 to Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN).
On the same day, China’s Xinhua News Agency announced that the C909 flew from Guangzhou to Brunei, marking the first time a Chinese-built aircraft has landed in the Southeast Asian country.
During the ceremony, China’s ambassador to Brunei, Xiao Jianguo, stated that the additional flights between Guangzhou and Brunei represent a new stride in the Belt and Road Initiative’s connectivity construction. According to the Xinhua News Agency, Jianguo stated that Chinese airlines are very interested in flying to Brunei.
On January 4, China Southern Airlines ran another charter flight between Guangzhou and Brunei. The C909, registered as B-657N, departed from the Chinese city at 9:01 local time (UTC +8) and arrived in Brunei’s major airport at 12:23 local time (UTC +8).
The C909 flew the return itinerary, CZ5510, on the same day, departing Brunei at 13:35 and landing in China at 16:49.
Sole C919 customer outside of China
GallopAir made headlines in September 2023 when the Brunei-based carrier purchased 30 aircraft from COMAC, with the order divided between 15 ARJ21s (now known as C909) and 15 C919s, China’s contender to the Airbus A320neo and Boeing 737 MAX 8.
The letter of intent (LoI) marks the first time a non-Chinese airline has bought the C919. GallopAir’s plans to receive its first C909 or C919 aircraft are unknown, given that its inaugural flights were conducted by China Southern Airlines rather than under its own air operator’s license (AOC).
At the same time, the airline’s major shareholder, Singapore-based GallopAir, is controlled by China-based Shaanxi Tianju Investment Group, according to Cham Chi, GallopAir’s chief executive officer (CEO), in an interview with The Bruneian on October 20, 2023.
Chi stressed that the main goal was to increase connectivity between Southeast Asian countries such as Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines, with the CEO stating that GallopAir’s main goal was to become the preferred airline for passengers traveling throughout the area.
“We consider ourselves not just an airline but a bridge that brings nations and people closer together.”
Increasing international presence
However, COMAC has attempted to expand its influence throughout Asia and Southeast Asia, pitching the C919 to airlines in Cambodia, Indonesia, and Kazakhstan. A previous Bloomberg story listed the three carriers that COMAC contacted: Angkor Air, Garuda Indonesia, and SCAT Airlines.
Total Linhas Aereas, based in Brazil, was previously reported to be in talks with COMAC about adding C919s to its fleet of five aircraft, which included one ATR 42-500, one converted Boeing 727 freighter (inactive and stored at Porto Alegre Salgado Filho International Airport [POA]), and three converted 737-400 freighters.
While the Chinese plane manufacturer can provide airlines with the ability to receive their aircraft much faster, given the current backlog of deliveries for the A320neo and 737 MAX aircraft families, as well as the supply chain constraints faced by Airbus and Boeing, there are risks associated with selecting China-assembled aircraft.
This includes China’s increasingly close ties with Russia following the latter’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, and as Donald Trump approaches his inauguration on January 20, the incoming US president may impose additional trade restrictions on China and its industries, including aerospace.
As a result, the flow of Western-made parts supporting the C919 assembly could come to a standstill or slow down significantly. COMAC now has a rather modest production rate, having delivered 16 C919 aircraft between December 2022 and December 2024.
What is GallopAir?
GallopAir is a new airline based in Brunei that aims to serve regional routes across Asia. The airline is unique as it is the first international customer for COMAC aircraft, including the C919 and ARJ21 models.
Why is GallopAir’s launch significant?
GallopAir’s launch is significant because it marks the first time COMAC’s C919 and ARJ21 aircraft will be operated by an airline outside of China, showcasing the growing international interest in Chinese-made commercial jets.
Which aircraft did GallopAir use for its initial launch?
For its initial launch, GallopAir partnered with China Southern Airlines to operate the C909 (ARJ21) aircraft on charter routes. The airline has also placed orders for COMAC’s C919 jets.
When will GallopAir begin full operations?
GallopAir aims to begin its own operations by the end of 2024, once it receives certification for its aircraft in Brunei. Until then, it will continue using charter flights in collaboration with China Southern Airlines.
What is the COMAC C919?
The COMAC C919 is a narrow-body commercial jet designed to compete with the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737. It is China’s first large passenger aircraft developed to challenge Western-made jets in the global aviation market.
How many COMAC aircraft has GallopAir ordered?
GallopAir has placed a letter of intent to purchase both COMAC C919 and ARJ21 jets, with the total order valued at approximately $2 billion.
What routes will GallopAir serve?
GallopAir plans to serve regional routes across Southeast Asia, China, and other nearby destinations, focusing on affordable and efficient air travel.
