Vientiane, 28 March - Lao Airlines, the state-owned flag carrier of Laos, is poised to make a significant stride in its operational history by integrating the COMAC C909 regional jet into its fleet, marking a notable expansion of Chinese-made aircraft into Southeast Asia. This development, confirmed by the airline, underscores China's Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) intensifying efforts to penetrate international markets, positioning itself as a competitor to established aviation giants like Airbus, Boeing, and Embraer. As of late March 2025, Lao Airlines is set to receive at least one C909 jet, with its crew having completed specialized training at COMAC’s facilities in Shanghai, a move that signals both operational readiness and a deepening partnership between Laos and China in the aviation sector.
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The C909, previously known as the ARJ21, is a regional jet designed to carry up to 90 passengers, making it suitable for the short-haul routes that dominate Lao Airlines’ network. Founded in 1976 and based in Vientiane, Lao Airlines currently operates a modest fleet comprising four Airbus A320s and seven ATR 72 turboprops, serving domestic destinations as well as regional routes to countries like Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, China, and South Korea. The addition of the C909 represents a strategic enhancement to this fleet, offering a modern alternative that aligns with the airline’s focus on regional connectivity. The jet’s introduction follows a precedent set by Indonesia’s TransNusa, which became the first foreign operator of the C909 in 2024, indicating a slow but steady acceptance of COMAC’s products beyond China’s borders.
COMAC’s push into Southeast Asia is part of a broader ambition to challenge the dominance of Western planemakers. While the C909 lacks the high-profile status of its larger sibling, the C919 narrowbody jet, its deployment in Laos provides COMAC with a foothold in another international market, boosting its visibility and credibility. The state-owned Chinese manufacturer has been ramping up production and marketing efforts since early 2024, targeting regulators and airlines in regions where certification processes may be more flexible than in Europe or the United States. In Laos, this effort is facilitated by a Memorandum of Understanding signed with China in 2010, originally for the Xian MA60 aircraft, which has paved the way for smoother integration of Chinese aviation technology.
For Lao Airlines, the adoption of the C909 comes at a time when Southeast Asian carriers are exploring diversification of their fleets amid growing demand for air travel in the region. The airline’s staff training at COMAC’s Shanghai Pudong facility, conducted in the weeks leading up to the jet’s delivery, reflects a meticulous preparation process. Although specific details about the number of C909s to be acquired remain undisclosed, the initial delivery scheduled for late March 2025 positions Lao Airlines as the second foreign operator of the jet, following TransNusa. This move not only enhances the airline’s operational capabilities but also aligns with regional trends, as Vietnam’s VietJet and Brunei’s GallopAir are similarly engaging with COMAC for potential C909 operations, pending regulatory approvals. The broader implications of this development extend beyond Lao Airlines’ fleet expansion. COMAC’s incremental success in Southeast Asia, a region with burgeoning aviation markets, could signal a shift in the global aerospace landscape. While the C909 relies on Western components—such as engines and avionics from companies like General Electric and Honeywell—its production and deployment represent China’s growing self-reliance in aircraft manufacturing. For Laos, a landlocked nation with a developing economy, the C909 offers an opportunity to modernize its aviation infrastructure while strengthening ties with China, a key economic partner. As Lao Airlines prepares to put the jet into service, the aviation industry watches closely, anticipating whether this step will herald a wider acceptance of COMAC’s aircraft on the international stage.