COMAC Showcases C919 in Dubai Amid Airbus-Boeing Strains

China’s state-owned Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) expanded its international presence as the C919 single-aisle aircraft completed its first demonstration outside East Asia at the Dubai Airshow, entering a market where Airbus and Boeing continue to face sustained production pressures. The debut comes as airlines ramp up orders amid post-pandemic traffic growth and as delivery backlogs stretch years into the future.

COMAC presented the C919 at Al Maktoum Airport as global aircraft demand remains higher than current production capacity. Airbus continues to manage a multiyear backlog, while Boeing faces delays tied to process reviews and ongoing stabilization of its 737 MAX production system.

The C919 drew interest from leasing companies, airlines and suppliers. The aircraft completed a brief demonstration flight at around 15:30 local time, marking its first aerial presentation in a market historically dominated by Western manufacturers.

However, COMAC still lacks the regulatory certifications required to compete directly in major commercial markets. Neither the C919 nor the C909 has approval from US or European regulators. Florian Guillermet, executive director of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency, told L’Usine Nouvelle that COMAC will need “between three and six years” to obtain European certification for the C919. Although COMAC had targeted approval by 2025, EASA has indicated the process will take longer, postponing the aircraft’s entry into one of the world’s most important aviation markets.

COMAC has pursued a gradual commercial strategy focused on developing regions less dependent on Airbus and Boeing, including the Middle East, Southeast Asia and parts of Africa, where constrained delivery slots have encouraged some airlines to evaluate new suppliers.

Inside the exhibition hall, COMAC displayed its development roadmap, including a stretched C919 variant designed to accommodate up to 210 passengers. Company representatives said the aircraft is aimed at the most competitive segment of the single-aisle market, dominated by the Airbus A321neo and Boeing 737 MAX 10. If completed, the stretched version would allow COMAC to compete for high-volume orders and advance China’s goal of establishing a complete commercial aircraft family.

Outside the pavilion, COMAC also showcased the C909 regional jet, which entered service in 2016 and serves as the technological foundation for its larger aircraft programs. COMAC’s emergence reflects broader market dynamics: rising operating costs, evolving environmental requirements and new route development are accelerating global fleet renewal.