Quantcast

COMAC set for Dubai Airshow debut while VietJet ends C909 jet lease

Here's how Southwest Airlines' new seating and boarding process will work
Delta Adds New Route to Asia
Southwest Airlines will begin selling assigned seats in 2025
United Airlines Pilot Buys Passengers Pizza In Albuquerque After Flight Was Delayed 7 Hours
Airlines begin canceling flights, offering rebooking ahead of Hurricane Helene
Southwest Airlines to cut service and staffing in Atlanta to slash costs
New heights, new features: Discover Alaska’s enhanced Flight Pass subscription service
Alaska Airlines completes acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines, expanding benefits and choice for travelers
American Airlines welcomes JetSMART to the award-winning AAdvantage program
Explore Japan for free? Japan Airlines offers free domestic flights to foreign travelers
Delta named Official Airline Partner of Birmingham City Football Club
American Airlines to Cut These Routes to Las Vegas, Orlando, and More — Here's Why
Alaska Airlines completes acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines, expanding benefits and choice for travelers
Southwest wouldn't really start charging for bags — right?
JD Power ranked this Midwest airport as the best among largest airports in North America
Alaska Airlines Chief Plans More Routes After a Deal With Hawaiian
Air Canada could begin suspending flights soon as strike deadline nears
JetBlue's new ticket policy entitles every passenger to a carry-on bag
Why United Airlines’ CEO makes as few decisions as possible
American invests in the future of aviation maintenance with new jobs, additional work
DOT probe seeks to determine if frequent flyer programs are fair to travelers
American Airlines flight diverted after passenger starts vaping
Russian Airline Wants $100 Million From Canada for Seizing Its Giant Cargo Plane
Here's where American Airlines is adding flights to Europe in summer 2025
Major airline grounds Airbus A350 fleet, citing faulty engine component
Airline CEO wants airports to cap passengers at 2 alcoholic drinks to limit on-board disruptions
Regulator cuts Malaysia Airlines' air operator certificate duration after probe
United Airlines flight attendants are prepared to strike. Here's why it's still unlikely.
2 workers killed, 1 injured in tire explosion at a Delta Air Lines shop in Atlanta
Emirates Will Buy 5 Airbus A380s From Lessor For $200 Million
COMAC set for Dubai Airshow debut while VietJet ends C909 jet lease
Policy
Webp pat
Patrick Shanahan, President and CEO of Spirit AeroSystems | Simple Flying

October has brought both progress and setbacks for Chinese aircraft manufacturer COMAC as it seeks to grow internationally. The company will make its first appearance at the Dubai Airshow next month, marking its debut not only at this event but also at any major aviation showcase in the Middle East. The airshow, scheduled from November 17 to 21, is considered one of the last major events in the aviation calendar and is held every two years.

COMAC plans to exhibit four aircraft at the show and participate in the flying display. Timothy Hawes, Managing Director of Informa, which organizes the event, stated: "We have COMAC, the Chinese manufacturer, that will also be coming for the very first time. [It] will have four aircraft on display, as well as taking part in the actual flying display."

The Middle East represents a significant market for commercial aviation dominated by established manufacturers such as Airbus and Boeing. Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths commented on China's potential influence in aerospace: "if you look at the developments with automotive products coming out of China, (...) they may well be making quite a statement in the aerospace industry."

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

While COMAC aims to expand its reach globally, recent developments in Vietnam have been less favorable. Vietnamese budget airline VietJet Air decided not to extend its lease of two COMAC C909 regional jets beyond October 18. These planes were initially leased from Chengdu Airlines on a six-month wet-lease contract beginning in April 2025 after a state visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping to Hanoi.

The aircraft were used on domestic routes between Con Dao Island and major Vietnamese cities Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. The arrangement included foreign crew and maintenance services as part of the wet-lease deal. According to sources cited by Reuters, high operating costs associated with employing foreign crew contributed to VietJet Air's decision not to renew or purchase additional COMAC jets.

Despite ending operations with these aircraft, sources told The Star that there were no operational issues reported during their use by VietJet Air. Both planes are currently being returned to China.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

FedEx has released the results of a recent survey focused on how Asia-Pacific (APAC) companies are responding to changes in global trade and customs regulations.

Oct 26, 2025

Delta Air Lines has inaugurated its first nonstop service from the United States to Marrakech, Morocco, marking the airline's return to North Africa after more than 14 years.

Oct 26, 2025

Alaska Airlines has announced a significant expansion of its route network for 2026, with plans to introduce service to two new cities and launch 13 new or returning routes.

Oct 25, 2025

Delta Air Lines will introduce new in-flight menu options created by celebrity chef José Andrés starting November 4.

Oct 25, 2025

The Blue Sky partnership between United Airlines and JetBlue launched today, allowing members of both airlines’ loyalty programs to earn and redeem points across the two carriers.

Oct 25, 2025

Air Canada is set to expand its presence at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ) by introducing four new nonstop routes to the United States in 2026.

Oct 25, 2025