Malaysian Airlines Show Interest in China’s C919 Jet

Malaysia’s Transport Minister Anthony Loke has confirmed growing interest from local carriers in China’s C919 passenger jet as Southeast Asia’s airlines face rising demand and delivery delays from Boeing and Airbus.

Developed by the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (Comac), the C919 is China’s first homegrown narrowbody jet and is being marketed as a cost-effective alternative to Airbus and Boeing aircraft. Loke said AirAsia and startup airline Air Borneo were among those exploring options with Comac, although no purchase agreements have been finalized.

“With the long wait times for aircraft from Boeing and Airbus, airlines are seeking faster delivery and lower-cost alternatives,” Loke explained. “Comac is certainly one of the manufacturers being considered.” He added that Air Borneo, set to begin operations later this year, has also expressed interest in the jet.

The C919 has been promoted aggressively across Southeast Asia, with Lao Airlines purchasing two aircraft and VietJet reportedly arranging leases for the smaller C909 regional jet. Comac is also in discussions with Garuda Indonesia. Analysts say the aircraft’s lower price tag makes it especially attractive to the region’s budget carriers.

While the C919 still awaits certification from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency, Loke noted this was not a key factor for Southeast Asian airlines operating regional routes. Any purchase would still require approval from Malaysia’s Civil Aviation Authority.

China-Malaysia air connectivity has expanded rapidly, with weekly two-way flights rising to nearly 1,000 in July 2025. Chinese tourism has also surged under Malaysia’s new 90-day visa-free entry policy, fueling airline demand for more single-aisle jets.

Related News: https://airguide.info/?s=C919, https://airguide.info/category/air-travel-business/aircraft-finance/

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, scmp.com