On April 17, China and Malaysia issued a joint statement on building a high-level strategic China-Malaysia community with a shared future, in which the two sides pledged their support for Malaysian airlines in introducing and operating Chinese commercial aircraft. This landmark decision opened a new chapter in their cooperation in the aviation industry.
Malaysia is not the first country to embrace Chinese aircraft. Vietnam had previously announced plans to operate the Chinese-made C909 regional jet on its domestic routes. This move reflects growing international confidence in China’s civil aviation technology, as well as global recognition Chinese aircraft have received.
Over the past decade, China’s commercial airplane manufacturing industry has made remarkable strides. The C909, formerly known as ARJ21, has proven itself through years of domestic service, while the C919, China’s first homegrown mainline passenger plane, has entered commercial operation with major Chinese airlines such as China Eastern and China Southern.
At the 2024 Singapore Airshow, both aircraft models captured global attention, underscoring China’s emergence as an economy capable of developing large passenger aircraft.
Southeast Asia, with its geographic position and economic growth potential, plays a crucial role in China’s aircraft development strategy. The C919, positioned in the mainstream weight class alongside the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320, is well suited to serve the region’s short- and medium-haul routes. Success in Southeast Asia would be an important step for Chinese aircraft manufacturers, as the region’s demand for new aircraft offers significant growth opportunities and could serve as a springboard for further global expansion.
This expansion is also part of a broader worldwide trend, as the aviation industry is projected to require more than 40,000 new aircraft worth $6 trillion over the next two decades, with the Asia-Pacific region accounting for 40 percent of that demand. If Chinese aircraft can capture even a modest 10 percent share of this market, it could significantly change the current market landscape.
The views are extracted from Ting Feng de Chan (meaning A Cicada Listening to the Wind) account and do not necessarily reflect those of facts.org.cn.
