COMAC seeks international buyers for C919 amid global aviation challenges

Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Kazakhstan in July on an official state visit. During this visit, it was noted that "two-way economic and trade cooperation has reached new highs," according to the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference.

Securing orders from flag carriers like Angkor Air and Garuda Indonesia would be significant for COMAC's international ambitions. TransNusa in Indonesia already operates three C909 aircraft delivered by COMAC between December 2022 and May 2024.

In November, Xi Jinping met with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto to discuss bilateral relations. They emphasized improving strategic cooperation across politics, economy, culture, maritime affairs, and security.

Garuda Indonesia has turned to second-hand markets for fleet expansion due to supply chain issues faced by Airbus and Boeing. It plans to add several Boeing 737-800s and Airbus A330-300s throughout 2024 while maintaining an order for 49 Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft despite past reports of cancellation.

Indonesia's Minister of State-Owned Enterprises Erick Thohir highlighted the need for more aircraft acquisitions post-COVID-19: "We [need] to have 700 aircraft... these solutions inevitably require collaboration."

Choosing COMAC could allow airlines like Garuda Indonesia quicker access to single-aisle jets amid long waiting lists at Airbus and Boeing. However, potential buyers must consider COMAC's support network limitations concerning training centers and maintenance facilities.

Since delivering its first C919 unit in December 2022 to China Eastern Airlines (which entered service in May), COMAC has delivered ten additional units primarily within China.