Can Comac's C919 Break the Airbus and Boeing Duopoly in Global Aviation?
Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience.
Comac's C919 is challenging the Airbus and Boeing duopoly in Asia-Pacific, but Western certification and critical supply chain bottlenecks threaten its global expansion.
Key Takeaways
- •EASA test flights for the C919 began in January 2026, but full Western certification is not expected until 2028-2031.
- •Comac's C919 production is hampered by reliance on foreign components, with only 15 aircraft reportedly delivered in 2025, falling short of targets.
- •The C919 is positioned to challenge the Airbus and Boeing narrow-body duopoly, offering an alternative for airlines facing seven-year delivery backlogs.
- •The C909 (ARJ21 regional jet) is already in service in Southeast Asia, providing Comac with an initial international foothold.
China's state-owned Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (Comac) is accelerating its push for global relevance. The company's flagship Comac C919 global challenge jet is central to this plan. It aims to directly compete with the Airbus A320neo and Boeing 737 MAX families. This effort seeks to break the decades-long Airbus and Boeing duopoly in the lucrative narrow-body jet market.
Comac recently showcased the C919 outside China at the Singapore Airshow. This move signals its intent to capture a share of the rapidly expanding Asia-Pacific aviation market. Airlines globally are facing severe aircraft delivery backlogs from the two established manufacturers. This situation creates a critical opening for a new supplier like Comac.
The Certification Roadblock
The most significant hurdle for the C919 remains international regulatory approval. The aircraft is certified by Chinese regulators and is flying domestically with carriers like China Eastern Airlines. However, it still lacks the C919 Western certification needed for widespread international sales.
EASA Validation Progress
Comac is actively pursuing validation from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). EASA test pilots conducted verification flights in Shanghai in January 2026. This marks a key technical milestone for the program. Despite this progress, the EASA certification timeline is lengthy. Approval is currently projected to take until 2028 or even 2031. The C919 is not currently pursuing certification from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
International acceptance is crucial for the C919’s success. Most global regulators rely on EASA or FAA approval as a benchmark. Without it, the aircraft cannot be easily sold or operated by most foreign airlines.
Supply Chain and Geopolitical Risks
Production challenges compound Comac's certification issues. The C919 relies heavily on foreign components. Western suppliers provide 50-60% of the aircraft’s systems. This includes the crucial CFM LEAP-1C engine.
This reliance exposes Comac to geopolitical trade tensions and export controls.
- Production Bottlenecks: U.S.-China trade friction has caused temporary export halts on critical parts. This stalled production and created a lasting backlog.
- Delivery Shortfalls: Comac delivered only 15 C919s in 2025, according to reports. This fell short of its reduced target of 25 aircraft.
China is working to localize production, including developing the domestic CJ-1000A engine. However, this engine is not expected to be certified until 2030 or later. This leaves the commercial aircraft supply chain vulnerable for the near term.
Impact on Global Aviation
Comac’s entry is a welcome development for global airlines. The current duopoly has led to long waits for new aircraft. Airlines are eager for a third option to increase competition and capacity.
Comac is also marketing its ARJ21 regional jet (now the C909) in Southeast Asia. The C909 is already in service in countries like Indonesia and Vietnam. This regional success provides a foundation for the larger C919’s eventual expansion.
While the C919 is state-backed and offers competitive pricing, its technology is considered by some analysts to be a generation behind. The long certification and production ramp-up mean the Airbus and Boeing duopoly will remain dominant for the foreseeable future. However, Comac's guaranteed home market provides a base to refine its technology and scale production. This positions Comac as a serious long-term competitor in the narrow-body jet market.
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Written by Ujjwal Sukhwani
Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience. Covers flight operations, safety regulations, and market trends with expert analysis.
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