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Comac makes push at Singapore Airshow
China's state-owned aircraft manufacturer Comac is using the Singapore Airshow to showcase its C919 jet as a rival to Airbus and Boeing in Asia-Pacific, the world's fastest-growing aviation market.
Market opportunity amid delays
Airlines in the region are struggling with delivery delays from Boeing and Airbus, along with engine shortages and supply chain bottlenecks. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) reports that carriers face an average seven-year wait for new aircraft, pushing fleet ages up and increasing operating costs.
Willie Walsh, IATA's director general, told the BBC that Asia-Pacific airlines could see double-digit growth in 2026 if more planes were available. "It's incredibly frustrating for airlines," he said.
Comac's regional expansion
Comac has delivered over 200 C909 and C919 jets, with about a quarter operating in Laos, Indonesia, and Vietnam. Brunei's GallopAir has placed a large order, and Cambodia plans to purchase around 20 aircraft.
"We need more suppliers in the supply chain," said Subhas Menon, director general of the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA). "The industry has been waiting for this. Comac is a welcome introduction."
Challenges ahead
While Comac enjoys strong government backing and competitive pricing, it faces hurdles in certification, maintenance, and pilot training. European regulators estimate certification for the C919 could take until 2028 or 2031, with technical challenges in integrating Chinese and Western components.
Mike Szucs, CEO of Philippines-based Cebu Pacific, told the BBC that Comac's certification process would determine its appeal in the 2030s. "We welcome all newcomers," he said.
Competition and skepticism
Boeing and Airbus remain dominant in Asia-Pacific, with Embraer also gaining traction through orders from Scoot, Virgin Australia, and ANA. Both manufacturers say delivery delays are improving, offering hope to frustrated airlines.
Comac claims over 1,000 C919 orders from Chinese airlines, but only a dozen have been delivered. Verifying these numbers is difficult due to Comac's state-owned status, unlike publicly listed Boeing and Airbus.
Future outlook
Walsh predicted Comac would become a "considerable player" within 10-15 years but cautioned that Boeing and Airbus would likely retain dominance unless Comac addresses its challenges. "Without question, they will be a player in the future," he said.
