Comac Secures Deal For Over 50 Aircraft In Historic Singapore Signing

SINGAPORE—Chinese aircraft manufacturer Comac has signed an order agreement with Tibet Airlines for 40 of the C919 plateau variant and 10 of the ARJ21 plateau variant at Singapore Airshow. 

The Tibet Airlines deal announced Feb. 20 follows a strategic cooperation agreement signed between OEM and airline in December 2023 to develop high-altitude derivatives of both aircraft types.

Lessor Henan Civil Aviation Development & Investment Group also signed orders for six ARJ21 across various variants without specifying the type breakdown.

This marks the first time Comac has organized an order signing at an overseas event.

The Shortened/Plateau configuration was unveiled in late November 2023. Comac says it will have takeoff and landing performance to cover all of China’s high-altitude airports and is designed to seat 140 passengers.

IATA director general Wille Walsh was briefed by Comac at the Singapore Airshow. Speaking to Aviation Week, Walsh noted the strong interest from media and airlines in Comac.

“I think most of them want to see how the C919 operates in service and it will take time for people to think of Comac as a credible alternative to Airbus or Boeing,” Walsh said.

“They're clearly determined to play a role in this area. The entry into service of the C919 is the first step. And I think people need to be patient with them. When we saw the launch of the Airbus A320 in the 1980s it took time to develop and establish itself.”

Walsh also shared that when he was with International Airlines Group (IAG) he had regular conversations with Comac on how Western airlines evaluate aircraft, ongoing issues and what they want to see addressed. He understands that other airlines are also having those conversations now.

Tibet Airlines has four of the high-altitude optimized Airbus A319neos in service. According to the Aviation Week Fleet Discovery database, there are eight A319neos in service, the other four being operated by China Southern Airlines. Another 41 A319neos are on Airbus' backlog, 16 of which are destined for Chinese carriers. 

The ARJ21 plateau variant comes on top of the already known freighter, business jet and medical evacuation versions, and Comac has also showcased the firefighting and the "emergency management" variant, which it says is used for "emergency support, airspace command and providing temporary communication network in disaster areas."