【By Observer News, Zhang Jingjuan】China's domestically produced large aircraft is about to take a new step in its international development. According to the Hong Kong English media "South China Morning Post", Capital A, the parent company of Malaysia's low-cost airline AirAsia, has brought good news. Its CEO, Tony Fernandes, stated at the 10th "Belt and Road" Forum held in Hong Kong on September 10 that the company is actively negotiating the purchase of the C919 aircraft from China, and it is the first foreign airline to cooperate with COMAC on the C919 aircraft purchase matters.

The report said that if this transaction is finally concluded, it will mark the first overseas order for China's independently developed mainline aircraft.

The C919 is a single-aisle aircraft comparable to the Airbus A320neo and Boeing 737 MAX. It is China's first jet mainline aircraft independently developed according to international general airworthiness standards, with independent intellectual property rights. The seating capacity is between 158 to 192 seats, and the range is 4,075 to 5,555 kilometers.

According to the report, AirAsia has shown strong interest in the C919, which is an important part of its strategic layout, aiming to take advantage of the vast market potential of Southeast Asia's more than 700 million people, and fully utilize the deepening China-ASEAN trade and economic relations.

Although Fernandes did not reveal the potential order size, price, and other specific details, he clearly pointed out that "ASEAN is becoming like the EU, with unified regulations, free trade zones, more convenient personnel mobility, and easier trade," which is beneficial for airlines like AirAsia.

Video screenshot of Fernandes

From a market background perspective, the C919 entering the Southeast Asian market is now encountering a favorable window period. Data from Chinese civil aviation regulatory authorities show that there are currently 2,552 regular passenger flights per week between China and ASEAN countries, an increase of 8.3% compared to last year.

Malaysia's Minister of Transport, Anthony Loke, previously stated in an interview that after the mutual exemption, with the growth of air travel and the backlog of deliveries from Airbus and Boeing, the Southeast Asian region is increasingly interested in COMAC's C919 aircraft. He revealed that Malaysia Airlines' AirAsia and a new airline called Air Borneo have shown interest in COMAC aircraft.

Owing to the increase in tourists, as well as the growth in business and student travelers, the number of flights between China and Malaysia has surged in recent years. Moreover, since July, 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 arrangement implemented in December 2023, and last year saw a surge in Chinese tourists exceeding 100%, rising from 1.6 million to 3.7 million. This year, the number of Chinese tourists may further increase.

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 charter flights), an increase from 435 and 870 respectively last year, totaling approximately 197,100 seats per week.

Loke stated that 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.

He also mentioned that currently, all airlines are seeking to diversify their aircraft procurement, pursuing faster delivery and lower prices.

C919 Aircraft Model IC photo

In the domestic market, the C919 has begun regular operations. The aircraft completed its commercial maiden flight in May 2023 and has transported over 1.5 million passengers to date. Three state-owned airlines, China International Airlines, Eastern Airlines, and Southern Airlines, operate 18 C919 aircraft and have already placed hundreds of additional orders.

Regarding overseas market expansion, COMAC also has clear plans. At the beginning of this year, Yang Yang, Deputy Director of COMAC's Marketing Center, stated in an interview that the company aims to have the C919 aircraft flying in Southeast Asia by 2026.

Notably, the attention from the Southeast Asian market towards the C919 is not an isolated case. Earlier in February last year, during the Singapore Air Show, the C919 made its international debut. According to Xinhua News, at that time, the C919 had already secured over 1,200 orders, including overseas orders from global leading aircraft leasing companies such as AerCap and Brunei's Qiji Aviation.

The CEO of International Aviation Analysis Company, Hugh Ritchie, 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 would be more inclined to consider COMAC.

A deputy director of a department in Thailand's Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) also stated at the "Belt and Road" Forum that China and Thailand have contacted each other regarding the purchase of Chinese aircraft, and "it is currently in the preliminary discussion stage."

All signs indicate that with the deepening of China-ASEAN economic and trade cooperation and the vigorous development of the regional aviation market, the prospects for the C919 in the Southeast Asian market are receiving increasing expectations.

This article is an exclusive piece by Observer News. Reproduction without permission is prohibited.

Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7548711559216906803/

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