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

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

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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.

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