COMAC Ramps Up C919 Production, Targets Airbus, Boeing Market

China's state-owned aircraft manufacturer, COMAC, is accelerating efforts to boost production for its C919 single-aisle jet, targeting 50 units by 2025, according to Deputy General Manager Shen Bo. The company also aims to produce 30 C919 aircraft in 2025 as part of its strategy to compete with global aerospace leaders Airbus and Boeing.

The C919, which entered commercial service in 2023, has been adopted by several Chinese airlines. Currently, 16 C919 jets are operational in China, including on flights to Hong Kong, with another 27 slated for delivery in 2025, according to aviation consultancy Cirium. Shen highlighted the importance of scaling production and obtaining certifications from international regulators to support COMAC’s expansion. "Certification from foreign aviation regulators is key to our strategy," he stated.

As part of its international ambitions, COMAC is working to extend its market reach beyond China. One key initiative involves promoting its C909 regional aircraft, internationally known as the ARJ21, in Vietnam, a strategic market. The ARJ21, which has been in commercial operation since 2016 and has a capacity of up to 90 passengers, is being offered to VietJet, Vietnam’s largest low-cost airline, for domestic routes. The aircraft, under a lease agreement, is set to operate with crew from Chengdu Airlines, a Chinese carrier.

However, the deal is awaiting regulatory approval from Vietnam's aviation authority, which remains cautious about certifying the aircraft. Currently, the ARJ21 is certified only in China and Indonesia. VietJet, which operates around 100 Airbus aircraft and has placed orders for 200 Boeing 737 MAX jets, views the ARJ21 as a potential solution for routes where larger planes are unsuitable, such as to Vietnam’s Con Dao islands.

To advance its efforts, COMAC has engaged in diplomatic and strategic initiatives to support the ARJ21’s entry into the Vietnamese market. These include organizing training sessions in Shanghai to familiarize Vietnamese personnel with the aircraft's operational and maintenance protocols. Following a high-level meeting between leaders of both nations, Vietnam has indicated a willingness to address regulatory hurdles for the aircraft’s operation.

Beyond Vietnam, COMAC has been expanding its global footprint through international expos and agreements with airlines worldwide. Recently, the company secured an order from GallopAir in Brunei for 15 ARJ21 and 15 C919 jets. Despite these advancements, COMAC faces significant challenges in obtaining certification from Western aviation regulators, a key obstacle to broader global adoption.

COMAC’s ambitions extend beyond the C919 and ARJ21. The company is also developing a larger wide-body jet, the C929, currently in the preliminary design phase. "The C929 will soon move to the detailed design stage, and we expect Air China to be its first customer," Shen said.