【By Observer Net, Qi Qian】According to China Central Television News, the visa exemption agreement between China and Malaysia came into effect on July 17.

Recently, Anthony Loke, the Malaysian Minister of Transport, said in an interview that after the visa exemption between China and Malaysia, with the growth of air travel, as well as the backlog of Airbus and Boeing deliveries, Southeast Asia is increasingly interested in the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) C919 aircraft. He revealed that Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia, and a new airline named Air Borneo have shown interest in COMAC aircraft.

Loke stated that currently, all airlines are seeking to diversify their aircraft procurement, pursuing faster delivery and lower prices.

He pointed out: "Currently, the delivery wait time for Boeing and Airbus planes is long, and COMAC is undoubtedly one of the manufacturers considered by airlines. AirAsia is interested in learning more but has not confirmed yet. I am not familiar with the details of commercial negotiations." He added that the new Malaysian airline Air Borneo plans to start operations by the end of this year and has also expressed interest in COMAC aircraft.

Loke mentioned that the joint statement issued in April between China and Malaysia stated that both sides would "support Malaysian airlines in introducing and operating commercial aircraft."

It is reported that the C919 has not yet received certification from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency. Regarding this, Loke believes that EU certification is not an issue for Southeast Asian airlines because the region's airlines mainly seek single-aisle narrow-body aircraft for domestic and intra-Southeast Asian routes, not for long-haul flights to Europe. He said that if Malaysia Airlines purchases COMAC aircraft, it only needs approval from the country's civil aviation authority.

Last February, the C919 began its demonstration flight in Southeast Asia CCTV News

Due to the increase in tourists and the growth in business and student travelers, the number of flights between China and Malaysia has surged in recent years.

According to data from the Malaysian Ministry of Transport, as of July 13, there were 499 one-way and 997 round-trip China-Malaysia flights per week (excluding chartered flights), an increase from 435 and 870 respectively last year, totaling approximately 197,100 seats per week.

Loke said: "Most Chinese airlines have increased flights to Malaysia, with larger scales. In addition to major airlines, there are also airlines from coastal, southern regions, and provincial airlines flying to Malaysia." According to the report, 16 airlines are currently operating between China and Malaysia, including 5 Malaysian airlines and 11 Chinese airlines.

Starting from this month, Chinese tourists can enjoy a 90-day visa-free stay in Malaysia within 180 days, with a maximum stay of 30 days per entry. This policy expands on the 30-day visa exemption implemented in December 2023. Last year, the number of Chinese tourists surged by over 100%, from 1.6 million to 3.7 million. Loke stated that the number of Chinese tourists is expected to increase further this year.

Zakaria Abubakar, a professor of Southeast Asian studies at the U.S. National War College, said that China has been actively promoting the C919 in Southeast Asia.

He pointed out: "Although some countries may push their state-owned and private airlines to purchase Boeing planes to quickly balance trade surpluses with the United States, giving President Trump a 'victory'. However, the unilateral economic destructive tariffs imposed by the United States have caused unease. China is appearing as a defender of regional growth, integration, and prosperity, which may be enough to enable COMAC to make some deals."

Abubakar also said that for the vast low-cost airline market in Southeast Asia, the C919 is much cheaper than Boeing and Airbus competitors.

This February, the COMAC aircraft C909 completed its first flight in Laos CCTV News

In recent years, COMAC has intensified its efforts to expand the Southeast Asian market. Hugh Ritchie, CEO of International Airline Analysis, stated: "Southeast Asia is a positive market for China's domestically produced commercial aircraft. Southeast Asia, India, and China have the fastest-growing passenger numbers in the world." He pointed out that Southeast Asian airlines will be more inclined to consider COMAC.

Last December, there were reports that the possibility of COMAC securing orders had increased. The situation of global aircraft delivery delays is becoming increasingly severe, with supply chain issues and Boeing's production halt due to large-scale strikes exacerbating the problem, with many Boeing and Airbus models' orders scheduled until the end of this decade.

According to a report by CCTV News in early July, as of that time, three overseas airlines in Southeast Asia, namely Lion Air of Indonesia, Lao Airlines, and VietJet Air of Vietnam, were operating seven C909 aircraft, opening 15 routes, serving 18 cities, and transporting over 370,000 passengers. Additionally, COMAC is negotiating with multiple airlines in Southeast Asian countries for agreements on the C919.

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