GallopAir launches flights with COMAC C909 amid expanding international presence

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GallopAir launches flights with COMAC C909 amid expanding international presence

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Simple Flying | Simple Flying

By Sky Industry News

Jan 6, 2025

Brunei-based airline GallopAir has initiated its operations with the COMAC C909 aircraft, marking a significant milestone as the only airline outside China to have ordered this model. The launch commenced with charter flights on December 31, when China Southern Airlines transported one of its C909 jets to Brunei International Airport for operations on behalf of GallopAir. This regional jet, registered as B-657R, subsequently flew to Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport.

On the same day, Xinhua News Agency reported that the C909's arrival in Brunei was the first instance of a Chinese-built aircraft landing in the Southeast Asian nation. During a ceremony marking this event, Xiao Jianguo, China's ambassador to Brunei, stated that these new flights between Guangzhou and Brunei represent a step forward in enhancing connectivity under the Belt and Road Initiative. Jianguo also noted Chinese carriers' interest in flying to Brunei.

Following this inaugural flight, another charter operation took place on January 4 along the Guangzhou-Brunei route. The C909 jet registered as B-657N departed from Guangzhou and arrived at Brunei's main airport later that day before returning to China.

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GallopAir gained attention in September 2023 by ordering 30 aircraft from COMAC, divided equally between ARJ21s (now rebranded as C909) and C919s. This order marked the first time an airline outside China placed an order for the C919 model. Despite these developments, GallopAir's own air operator’s certificate remains pending as initial flights were conducted by China Southern Airlines.

Cham Chi, CEO of GallopAir, emphasized their mission to enhance connectivity across Southeast Asia. "We consider ourselves not just an airline but a bridge that brings nations and people closer together," he said.

COMAC is actively seeking to expand its presence across Asia and Southeast Asia by promoting its aircraft models like the C919 to airlines in countries such as Cambodia, Indonesia, and Kazakhstan. However, geopolitical tensions could impact production rates due to potential trade restrictions affecting Western-made parts essential for assembling these aircraft.