China’s C919 Jet Heads to Dubai Airshow to Court Buyers
China’s homegrown passenger jet manufacturer Comac will make its debut at the Dubai Airshow next month, where it is expected to court potential Middle Eastern buyers for its C919 and smaller C909 aircraft.
The Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (Comac) is listed among 1,500 exhibitors at the event, taking place from November 17 to 21, marking the company’s first appearance at the region’s premier aviation show. Analysts say the Shanghai-based state-owned manufacturer is using the platform to expand its international footprint and challenge the long-standing Airbus-Boeing duopoly.
Comac has focused heavily on domestic sales in recent years, securing hundreds of orders from Chinese airlines. Now, the company is seeking overseas growth opportunities for its C919 narrowbody and C909 regional jets, formerly known as the ARJ21. Its participation in Dubai will provide exposure to more than 148,000 attendees, including airlines, lessors, and investors from across the Middle East and Africa.
“It’s an important air show,” said Hugh Ritchie, CEO of Australia-based Aviation Analysts International. “If I were an airline manager, I’d be looking very astutely at the Chinese aircraft.”
The timing aligns with China’s deepening trade and infrastructure ties across the Middle East through President Xi Jinping’s Belt and Road Initiative. According to Australia’s Griffith Asia Institute, the initiative has generated nearly US$20 billion in construction engagement across the region in the first half of 2025 alone.
Aviation analyst Li Hanming noted that Comac could leverage Chinese state-backed financing and leasing programs to make its aircraft more attractive to foreign buyers.
While Comac has achieved limited success outside China—with the C909 operating in Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, and Vietnam—it still faces challenges. VietJet Air recently suspended two C909-operated routes after six months of service but said the aircraft could return under revised leasing terms.
Industry observers believe Dubai’s global stage could help Comac secure new momentum. As Li said, “The Belt and Road framework gives Comac a unique advantage—it’s not just selling aircraft, it’s offering a partnership backed by China’s financial power.”
Related News: https://airguide.info/?s=C919
Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, scmp.com