DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — China’s domestically built C919 passenger jet is making its debut appearance in the Middle East at the 2025 Dubai Airshow, marking a major milestone in the country’s bid to expand its commercial aviation footprint beyond Asia.
The C919, developed by the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC), arrived this week at Dubai Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) following a ferry flight operated by China Southern Airlines (CZ) that included a brief stop in Dhaka. The aircraft’s arrival signals China’s growing ambitions to position the C919 as a viable competitor to established models from Airbus and Boeing in international markets.
The jet’s appearance in Dubai represents not only a symbolic entry onto the global stage but also a calculated move to court airline buyers in regions that have shown increasing openness to diversifying their fleets.
COMAC Targets Global Buyers
COMAC is planning a significant presence at the Dubai Airshow, which runs from November 17 to 21. The company will display two C919 narrow-body jets along with its C909 business aircraft, aiming to capture the interest of operators from the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia.
The biennial airshow, one of the world’s largest aviation industry gatherings, hosts more than a thousand exhibitors and tens of thousands of visitors. For COMAC, it represents the first opportunity to showcase the C919 to potential non-Chinese customers.
The C919 is designed to compete directly with the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 families, the dominant players in the global single-aisle market. COMAC reports that orders for the C919 have already exceeded 1,000 units, fueled largely by domestic demand but supported by growing interest from airlines in developing markets.
Industry analysts suggest that nations participating in China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) could become early adopters of the C919 once the aircraft achieves broader international certification. Many of these countries are seeking to expand air connectivity and reduce dependence on Western suppliers, which could align with COMAC’s export ambitions.
“These markets are seen as strategically important for COMAC’s long-term expansion as it attempts to break the Airbus-Boeing duopoly,” the company stated.
Building Momentum at Home
Since entering commercial service, the C919 has steadily built operational credibility within China’s domestic aviation network. By May 2025, COMAC had delivered 18 aircraft to China’s three largest state-owned carriers: Air China (CA), China Eastern Airlines (MU), and China Southern Airlines (CZ).
Over its first two years of commercial operation, the C919 fleet has transported more than two million passengers across trunk and regional routes, according to company data.
A key milestone came when Air China deployed the C919 on its first international passenger route between Beijing (PEK) and Hong Kong (HKG). The flight was greeted with a ceremonial water salute upon arrival, marking the jet’s first appearance outside mainland China in active service.
While the aircraft has made strides domestically, the C919 remains certified only in China, which currently limits its operation in international markets. COMAC has confirmed that it continues to pursue foreign certification, though no firm timeline has been announced.
Despite those limitations, industry observers view the Dubai showcase as a pivotal move toward gaining recognition from global regulators and airline decision-makers.
Eyes on Expansion Amid Global Supply Challenges
The timing of COMAC’s push into the international market may be advantageous. Persistent supply chain disruptions affecting Western aircraft manufacturers have constrained production capacity and delivery schedules, creating an opening for new entrants.
Analysts believe that greater visibility at a major international event like the Dubai Airshow could help COMAC advance negotiations with airlines seeking alternatives to Airbus and Boeing amid growing fleet replacement needs.
Even with the challenges of certification and after-sales support, the C919’s appearance in Dubai underscores China’s determination to position itself as a long-term player in the commercial aircraft market.
Strategic Turning Point
For COMAC, the C919’s Middle East debut represents a turning point in its global strategy — from establishing a domestic foothold to pursuing genuine international recognition.
By presenting two C919s and a C909 on the international stage, COMAC aims to translate its strong domestic momentum into export opportunities. Success in markets across the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia could elevate the C919 from a national project to a global contender in the narrow-body aircraft sector.
As the show opens, all eyes will be on how COMAC’s aircraft perform — both on the tarmac and in the marketplace — as the Chinese manufacturer seeks to redefine the balance of power in the world’s most competitive aviation segment.
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