Comac, China’s state-owned aircraft manufacturer, is positioning itself as a serious competitor to Boeing and Airbus in Asia Pacific, the world's fastest-growing aviation market, industry leaders said at the Singapore Airshow.

BBC’s Asia Business Correspondent Suranjana Tewari reported on Wednesday (February 4), Company has delivered more than 200 C909 and C919 jets, with around 50 planes operating in Laos, Indonesia and Vietnam. Brunei's GallopAir placed a large order, while Cambodia plans to purchase around 20 aircraft. C919 passenger jet is designed to compete directly with Airbus A320neo and Boeing 737 MAX.

Willie Walsh, director general of International Air Transport Association, told BBC that Comac will become a global competitor within 10 to 15 years.

“We'll be talking about Boeing, Airbus and Comac. Without question, they will be a considerable player in the future,” Walsh said.

Asia Pacific airlines are struggling with delivery delays from Boeing and Airbus, compounded by engine shortages and supply chain bottlenecks. IATA data shows global carriers are waiting longer than ever for new aircraft, pushing average fleet age up and increasing operating costs due to lower fuel efficiency in older planes.

Walsh noted that Asia Pacific airlines could see double-digit growth in 2026 if planes were available.

“Wait between making an order and taking delivery is about seven years,” he said, highlighting the frustration among carriers.

Subhas Menon, director general of Association for Asia Pacific Airlines, welcomed Comac's entry.

“Problem with this industry is that supply chain is an oligopoly and sometimes even a duopoly. We have been waiting for this for a long time,” Menon said.

Mike Szucs, chief executive of Philippines low-cost carrier Cebu Pacific, said the airline welcomes all newcomers. “At some point in the 2030s, we see that it will be an offering that would be attractive to ourselves and other carriers,” Szucs told BBC.

Comac is pursuing European certification, with regulators conducting test flights on C919. However, European certification could take until 2028 or even 2031, regulators say. Company faces technical challenges harmonising Chinese and Western parts, flight controls and software for international orders.

Maintenance infrastructure, repair facilities and pilot training remain hurdles where Boeing and Airbus have decades of established systems. Brazil's Embraer has also carved out a foothold in the region, with Singapore budget carrier Scoot, Virgin Australia and Japan's All Nippon Airlines placing orders.

Comac claims more than one thousand C919 orders from Chinese airlines, but only around 12 have been delivered so far. Verifying these numbers is difficult as Comac is state-owned, not publicly listed like Boeing or Airbus.

Company benefits from strong government support and lower prices that appeal to budget airlines in emerging markets. However, Boeing and Airbus maintain strong presence at Singapore Airshow, signalling that aircraft delivery delays are beginning to improve.

Szucs of Cebu Pacific said carriers are cautiously optimistic. "We are pleased to say that we might be seeing light at the end of tunnel," he noted.

Unless Comac addresses certification, maintenance infrastructure and delivery challenges, Boeing and Airbus are likely to continue controlling Asia Pacific skies, analysts say.

Source: BBC