COMAC Targets Expansion in Asia with C919 Aircraft Sales
COMAC (Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China) is actively pursuing new markets for its C919 narrowbody jet as it seeks to secure its first international customers. Sources close to the Shanghai-based company have revealed that COMAC has launched a “charm offensive” aimed at airlines in Indonesia, Cambodia, and Kazakhstan, according to a report by BNN Bloomberg.
In recent weeks, COMAC executives have engaged in exploratory discussions with senior airline officials across Asia. One of the key targets is Garuda Indonesia, which is reportedly considering an order for up to 70 new single-aisle aircraft. Garuda’s new CEO, Wamildan Tsani Panjaitan, has been directly involved in discussions, which are also said to include negotiations with Boeing and Airbus. This comes at a time when both Western manufacturers are facing production delays and quality issues, which could be a strategic advantage for COMAC.
The C919, designed to compete directly with the Airbus A320neo and Boeing 737 MAX, has benefited from the ongoing supply chain issues and production bottlenecks affecting its competitors. With Airbus and Boeing’s production lines booked until beyond 2030, COMAC sees an opening to establish itself as a viable alternative in the single-aisle aircraft market.
Furthering its efforts in the region, COMAC has held preliminary talks with SCAT Airlines in Kazakhstan and Angkor Air in Cambodia. Angkor Air’s connection to the Chinese market through its major shareholder, Xing Gang Investment Group, is seen as potentially influential in negotiations.
COMAC is also making diplomatic moves to strengthen its presence in key markets, including lobbying for a prominent position at the upcoming Bali International Airshow in September 2025. This initiative aligns with Indonesia’s strong economic ties to China, highlighted by recent trade agreements sparked during a state visit by the Indonesian president to China.
Despite these efforts, the C919 faces significant hurdles, primarily the lack of certification by international safety regulators, which currently restricts its operation outside China. However, the landscape may shift favorably for COMAC if it secures international orders that could accelerate certification processes.
COMAC is not only expanding its sales efforts but also enhancing its support infrastructure. The company recently opened sales offices in Hong Kong and Singapore and established its first overseas customer service office in Jakarta in 2023. These moves are part of a broader strategy to offer comprehensive support to potential customers, including financial incentives and infrastructure upgrades.
In another boost to its profile, COMAC celebrated a significant milestone with its C919 aircraft carrying its millionth passenger since entering commercial service in May 2023. As of December 19, 2024, the company has delivered 14 C919 jets to three Chinese airlines, operating across 15 routes and serving ten cities.
With the C919 making headway in the domestic market and potential new deals on the horizon, COMAC is poised to make significant inroads in the competitive global aviation industry, challenging the long-standing dominance of Airbus and Boeing.
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