20-2-2024 (SINGAPORE) Tibet Airlines concluded a significant deal on Tuesday, finalizing an order for 40 C919 narrowbody jets and 10 ARJ21 regional jets from the Chinese state-owned aircraft manufacturer, Comac. The contract was formalized at a ceremony during the Singapore Airshow, a biennial event with a focus on both commercial and defence aviation.
The order follows an announcement in December, when Tibet Airlines and Comac revealed their collaboration on researching a C919 variant tailored for high-altitude plateaus. The strategic move underscores the airline’s commitment to enhancing its fleet capabilities.
In a parallel development, Henan Civil Aviation Development and Investment Group inked an agreement with Comac for six ARJ21-derived models designed for specific purposes such as firefighting, medical services, and emergency management.
Comac’s C919, making its inaugural appearance outside of Chinese airspace in Singapore, is being positioned as a credible alternative to the Airbus A320neo and Boeing’s 737 MAX single-aisle jet families. This move comes as the industry juggles challenges in meeting the escalating demand for new aircraft, compounded by Boeing’s series of crises.
While the C919 currently holds certification only within China, the first four aircraft commenced operations with China Eastern Airlines last year. Comac has already received over 1,000 C919 orders, predominantly from Chinese carriers and lessors, according to state media reports in September.
In a noteworthy development, GallopAir, a newly established Brunei-based airline, expressed its intention in September to acquire 30 aircraft from Comac, including the C919. If the deal materializes, it would mark the narrow-body jet’s first overseas purchase. GallopAir aims to become the second Brunei-based airline operator, focusing on flights within the Brunei Darussalam–Indonesia–Malaysia–Philippines East Asean growth area.
The impending agreement would position GallopAir as the second international operator of Chinese-manufactured aircraft, following the footsteps of Indonesian low-cost carrier TransNusa, which currently operates a modest fleet of ARJ21 regional jets.
At the Singapore Airshow, Comac is showcasing various C919 variants, including a shortened version suitable for high-altitude plateaus, a stretched variant, and the ARJ21 for a flying display. The aerospace giant’s presence at the airshow underscores its commitment to expanding its market reach and influence beyond national borders.
