Chinese state-owned planemaker Comac, according to the chief of Dubai Aerospace Enterprise, has the potential to disrupt the dominance of Airbus and Boeing in the passenger jet market over the next ten years. Currently, Airbus and Boeing are the major suppliers of aircraft to airlines, but with Airbus struggling to increase production due to record orders and Boeing facing regulatory scrutiny after a mid-air panel incident, Comac’s narrow-body C919 jet could seize this opportunity. Firoz Tarapore, CEO of DAE, believes that Comac could create a triopoly in the market due to Airbus being sold out and Boeing experiencing production challenges.
The C919 jet, manufactured by Comac, competes with Airbus’ A320 and Boeing’s 737 MAX and is described as a “perfectly fine aircraft” by Tarapore. While Comac’s planes mostly operate within China and with one Indonesian airline, the planemaker is seeking certification from Europe’s aviation regulator for its C919 jet to attract international customers. However, the road to international success may be challenging for Comac without certifications from the US or EU and more efficient planes, according to industry insiders.
Amid a surge in global travel post-pandemic, airlines have been ordering new planes, leading to a strain on the aerospace supply chain and aircraft maintenance industry. Delivery delays of new jets have complicated airline growth plans, giving Comac an opportunity to stand out. Airbus has reported that production slots for its A320 family of aircraft are sold out until the end of the decade, while Boeing is facing safety investigations, production challenges, and a decline in its 737 MAX sales.
Tarapore expressed hope for change at Boeing to ensure the production of high-quality aircraft at the required rate. Problems at Boeing have resulted in slowed supplies for DAE, impacting the lessor’s 500-strong fleet of owned, managed, or ordered aircraft. Despite the current duopoly in the industry, Tarapore envisions a future where Comac will play a more significant role in the aviation market, hinting at a shift towards a triopoly scenario. With a strong demand for aircraft from China and surrounding regions, Comac’s potential for growth and influence in the industry is promising. By navigating challenges and focusing on certifications and efficiency improvements, Comac could potentially disrupt the longstanding dominance of Airbus and Boeing in the passenger jet market.
