COMAC, a state-owned Chinese plane manufacturer, wants its C919 to begin commercial flights to Southeast Asia in 2026. It’s a step towards expanding beyond the domestic market.
COMAC, Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China, also aims for European certification for the C919 as early as this year, Yang Yang, deputy general manager of the company’s marketing centre, told Shanghai government-affiliated news site Jiemian in a recent interview.
China Eastern Airlines, as the initial operator of the C919 aircraft, added Hong Kong to its C919 network on Jan. 1, making it the first destination outside of mainland China for the aircraft.
Yang did not mention whether COMAC had been in discussions with any airlines regarding flights to Southeast Asia and other overseas markets.
Air China, China Southern Airlines and Boeing C919 are also using the C919.
The C919 is positioned as a competitor for the Boeing 737, and Airbus A320. It currently only flies within China, and must obtain international airworthiness certifications to enter the global marketplace.
Yang said: “We will increase the operational deployments for C919 aircraft throughout China in order to identify any potential problems before expanding to Southeast Asia.”
COMAC did not respond immediately to a Reuters’ request for comment. COMAC, based in Shanghai, is keen to enter the Southeast Asian market first before moving on Western markets.
This is at a time that industry giants Boeing & Airbus are struggling with issues such as supply chains and labour issues.
COMAC will deliver 12 C919 to three state owned airlines in 2024. In 2023, the company stated that it expected C919 production capacity to reach 150 aircraft per year in five years.