29-10-2024 (SINGAPORE) Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) has launched its first Asia-Pacific office in Singapore, marking a significant step in the state-owned manufacturer’s bid to challenge Western dominance in the global commercial aviation market.
At the inauguration ceremony, Chinese Ambassador to Singapore Cao Zhongming highlighted the strategic importance of the new office, describing it as a crucial milestone in COMAC’s international expansion. “This establishment represents a key stepping stone in COMAC’s journey towards global market presence,” Cao stated.
The move comes as COMAC intensifies production and marketing efforts for its C919 narrow-body aircraft, designed to compete with industry stalwarts Boeing 737 MAX and Airbus A320neo. While the C919 is currently operational only within China’s domestic market, the company has been actively pursuing international sales opportunities.
However, aviation industry experts note that COMAC faces significant hurdles in its global ambitions. The manufacturer has yet to secure crucial airworthiness certifications from major aviation authorities, including the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which are considered essential for international market penetration.
