A C919 jet lands Dubai's Al Maktoum International Airport on Nov 10.
According to the Shanghai-based company, two single-aisle C919 aircraft and one C909 business jet will be showcased at the event. This year’s Dubai Airshow features more than 1,500 exhibitors and is expected to attract over 148,000 visitors. On Monday, a C919 successfully landed at Dubai’s Al Maktoum International Airport after a stopover in Dhaka, Bangladesh, marking its arrival ahead of the exhibition.
Qi Qi, a senior independent civil aviation industry analyst, said: “Expanding into overseas markets is the next milestone for the C919. Given both internal and external environments, the aircraft's first international commercial flight is likely to take place in partner countries and regions participating in the Belt and Road Initiative.” He added: “Airlines in Southeast Asia and the Middle East are regarded as having the highest potential to acquire the C919. This is why COMAC places great emphasis on the 2025 Dubai Airshow.”
The C919 is a narrow-body passenger aircraft comparable to the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 series. It has received more than 1,000 orders from domestic and international customers. As the global aviation market continues to expand, the C919 aims to meet growing travel demand and enhance competition in the commercial aircraft sector.
Qi noted that COMAC’s participation in international exhibitions allows potential overseas buyers to experience China’s home-developed passenger jet up close, building recognition for its quality and performance. This approach is expected to create favorable conditions for the aircraft to enter more foreign markets.
The C919 has entered regular commercial operation within China. As of May 28, it marked two years of commercial service, with 18 aircraft delivered to State-owned carriers including Air China, China Eastern Airlines, and China Southern Airlines. These aircraft have completed over 2 million passenger trips during the two-year period, according to COMAC.
On Friday, an Air China-operated C919 completed its inaugural passenger flight between Beijing and Hong Kong, where it was greeted with a traditional water cannon salute upon arrival at Hong Kong International Airport, symbolizing a special milestone for the model.
Meanwhile, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) released its September global passenger demand report, showing that total demand, measured in revenue passenger kilometers, increased by 3.6 percent year-on-year, while total capacity rose 3.7 percent. Willie Walsh, IATA’s director-general, said: “Solid international demand drove 90 percent of September’s overall growth. With November flight schedules indicating a 3 percent expansion on the previous year, airlines are gearing up for continued growth into the year-end holiday season, despite the ongoing challenges of supply chain constraints.”
The C919’s debut in Dubai marks an important step in COMAC’s global strategy, showcasing China’s aviation manufacturing strength on the international stage.
