Comac, China’s state-backed producer, grabs attention at the Singapore Airshow with its C919 narrowbody as production ramps to 50 units yearly. The jet rivals the Airbus A320neo and Boeing 737 MAX, offering 20 per cent lower prices via Western engines and Chinese airframes.
Asia-Pacific airlines face surging demand, aircraft shortages, and supply chaos driving up costs. IATA forecasts over 10,000 new jets needed by 2043, but Boeing and Airbus backlogs hit eight years amid engine shortages.
Post-pandemic traffic surges 15 per cent yearly per AAPA. Delays plague carriers like Lion Air and VietJet, ageing fleets to 12 years.
“I think in time, Comac will be a global competitor, but it’s going to take them time,” Willie Walsh, IATA director general, told the BBC. “I think 10 years, 15 years from now, we’ll be talking about Boeing, Airbus and Comac. But without question, they will be a considerable player in the future.”
Over 160 C919s fly in China. Exports reach Laos, Indonesia, Vietnam; Brunei’s GallopAir orders 30, Cambodia plans 20.
“We need more suppliers in the supply chain,” said Subhas Menon, AAPA director general. “The problem with this industry is that the supply chain is an oligopoly and sometimes even a duopoly.”
“We have been waiting for this for a long time. Comac is a welcome introduction. We need more suppliers in the Asia Pacific especially.”
Subsidies and 1,200+ orders bolster Comac for budget airlines. Cebu Pacific’s CEO eyes 2030s potential. “In the future we welcome all newcomers. We are keen to see more competition.”
“Comac has got its certification process to go through and at some point in the 2030s, we see that it will be an offering that would be attractive to ourselves and other carriers,” Mike Szucs told the BBC.
EASA test flights hint at 2028 European approval, despite hurdles in systems integration and MRO. Embraer competes regionally with Scoot and ANA.
Boeing and Airbus accelerate deliveries. “We are pleased to say that we might be seeing light at the end of tunnel,” Szucs said.
Trade tariffs and order opacity challenge Comac. Seven-year waits hinder growth. Success demands overcoming certification and trust barriers to crack the duopoly.