China's state-owned aircraft manufacturer, COMAC, is setting its sights on Saudi Arabia as a springboard for its ambitions in the global commercial airplane market. This move comes as COMAC ramps up efforts to break into a market dominated by Western giants Boeing and Airbus. COMAC chairman Dongfeng He recently visited Saudi Arabia for the first time, following a visit from a Saudi delegation to COMAC's Shanghai facilities in February. This flurry of activity reflects warming ties between the two economic powers.
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He addressed an aviation conference in Riyadh, outlining COMAC's desire to contribute to Saudi Arabia's aviation growth and promote "global connectivity and diversity" in the airplane industry. However, industry experts caution that COMAC faces significant hurdles in achieving its international goals. One major obstacle is the lack of critical safety certifications from the United States and the European Union. These certifications are seen as benchmarks for airplane safety and are often required by airlines before purchasing new aircraft.
Another challenge is the competitiveness of COMAC's airplanes. Compared to Boeing and Airbus offerings, COMAC's jets are generally considered less fuel-efficient and have limited operational experience. Currently, COMAC airplanes are primarily used by Chinese airlines with only one Indonesian carrier venturing outside China. Despite these challenges, COMAC views Saudi Arabia as a potential launchpad. The kingdom's growing aviation sector and its strategic location in the Middle East make it an attractive market.
Additionally, Saudi Arabia's close political and economic ties with China could pave the way for potential partnerships or joint ventures. COMAC's success in Saudi Arabia will be closely watched. If they can overcome the hurdles and secure their first major international customer, it could mark a turning point for the company. However, if they fail to gain traction, it could further solidify the dominance of Boeing and Airbus in the global airplane market.