Considers Comac C919: A game changer in international aviation
- Paul Aage Hegvik
- Mar 31
- 9 min read
Ryanair has expressed interest in considering the Chinese COMAC C919 aircraft if the price is competitive.
While the C919 is primarily aimed at competing with the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320, its adoption by international airlines remains limited.
So far, most of the C919's orders have come from Chinese airlines and leasing companies. China Eastern Airlines was the launch customer, and other Chinese carriers like Air China and China Southern Airlines have also placed orders. Some foreign leasing companies, particularly in Southeast Asia, have shown interest, but no major Western airline has committed to purchasing the aircraft yet.
Growing interest
As of now, the COMAC C919, China's first domestically produced narrow-body jet, has attracted growing interest not just from Chinese carriers but also from several international airlines and leasing companies. This is according to Simple Flying.
Ryanair, Europe’s largest budget airline, has shown interest in the COMAC C919 as a potential alternative to Boeing 737s. CEO Michael O’Leary has been vocal about his openness to exploring the C919, but he has also made it clear that certain conditions must be met before Ryanair would commit to purchasing the aircraft.
O’Leary has emphasized that price competitiveness is the most critical factor for Ryanair when considering any new aircraft. In his own words:
If the price is cheap enough, we’d be willing to buy the C919. The price has to be significantly lower than what we’re paying Boeing for the 737.
Reliability and certification requirements
As a low-cost carrier, Ryanair is focused on minimizing operational costs, and any decision to add a new aircraft type to its fleet hinges on securing a better deal than what Boeing or Airbus can offer. O’Leary has made it clear that COMAC would need to present an offer that is substantially lower than the price of Boeing’s 737 MAX.
Despite his interest, O’Leary has stressed that Ryanair will not commit to the C919 without assurances of reliability and safety. He pointed out:
We’re open to trying new aircraft, but COMAC has to demonstrate that the aircraft is reliable and meets Western certification standards.
Ryanair operates a rigorous operational model that relies on high aircraft utilization and minimal downtime. Before adopting the C919, O’Leary has emphasized the importance of the aircraft receiving certification from both the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). Without these certifications, Ryanair would be unable to deploy the C919 on its extensive European and transcontinental routes.
Production capacity and timely deliveries
O’Leary has highlighted concerns about COMAC’s production capacity and ability to meet delivery schedules. He explained:
We would want a long-term partnership with any new aircraft manufacturer, but they have to prove they can deliver on time and at scale.
For Ryanair, on-time delivery is critical, as delayed aircraft can disrupt its operational efficiency and growth plans. COMAC would need to demonstrate that it can produce and deliver the C919 at a scale that matches Ryanair’s demand, potentially up to 50 aircraft per year in a typical fleet expansion.
Potential for fleet diversification
O’Leary has also acknowledged the possibility of Ryanair operating a mixed fleet in the future, with both Boeing and COMAC aircraft. While Ryanair has traditionally operated an all-Boeing fleet to keep maintenance and training costs low, O’Leary’s openness to change indicates that a well-priced and well-performing C919 could lead to a shift in this strategy. He noted:
If they can meet our expectations on price, performance, and maintenance, we could see a future where Ryanair has a mixed fleet of Boeing and COMAC aircraft.
This approach suggests that Ryanair is positioning itself to remain flexible in an increasingly competitive aircraft market, with the potential to leverage better deals from multiple manufacturers.
Here’s a summary of international interest in the C919:
Ryanair (Ireland)
Ryanair has publicly expressed interest in the C919 if the price is competitive. CEO Michael O’Leary has stated that Ryanair would consider the aircraft as an alternative to Boeing 737s, provided that COMAC can meet performance expectations and offer a favorable price.
Ryanair’s potential interest could give COMAC a significant foothold in the European market.
GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS)
GECAS, an international aircraft leasing giant (now part of AerCap), has previously signed an agreement to help lease and promote the C919 globally. This partnership could help facilitate the aircraft’s entry into international markets.
AirAsia (Malaysia)
AirAsia, one of Southeast Asia’s largest low-cost carriers, has reportedly expressed interest in the C919 as part of its fleet renewal strategy. While no official orders have been placed, the airline is keeping an eye on the aircraft’s performance and certifications.
Turkish Airlines (Turkey)
Turkish Airlines has shown preliminary interest in evaluating the C919. Although no formal agreements have been announced, the airline has indicated a willingness to explore more cost-effective aircraft options as part of its long-term expansion plans.
Flynas (Saudi Arabia)
Flynas, a budget airline based in Saudi Arabia, has been identified as a potential customer for the C919. Discussions have focused on how the C919 could fit into Flynas’ fleet of narrow-body aircraft serving regional and international routes.
Indonesian Airlines (Indonesia)
Several Indonesian carriers, including Garuda Indonesia and Lion Air, have been mentioned as potential buyers. Lion Air has a history of purchasing large numbers of narrow-body aircraft and may look at the C919 as an alternative to Boeing and Airbus options.
African Airlines interest
Some African airlines have expressed interest in the C919 as part of a broader effort to modernize fleets with more affordable aircraft. However, these discussions remain in the early stages.
Challenges and considerations
Despite the growing interest, many international airlines are cautious due to the C919’s limited operational history and the need for international certification.
COMAC is still working on securing certifications from aviation regulators in the US and Europe, which are crucial for entering Western markets.
If the C919 continues to demonstrate reliability and cost-efficiency, it is likely that more international airlines will place orders in the coming years.
C919’s market potential: A threat to Boeing and Airbus?
The COMAC C919, developed by the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC), is a narrow-body jet designed to compete directly with the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 families.
Its market potential lies in its ability to offer a cost-effective and competitive alternative to Western aircraft, particularly in regions looking to diversify their fleets or where geopolitical tensions may lead to a preference for Chinese-manufactured aircraft.
Domestic chinese market
China is expected to need more than 8,700 new aircraft over the next 20 years, valued at over $1.5 trillion. The C919 is positioned to capture a significant share of this growing domestic market, reducing reliance on Airbus and Boeing. The C919 is part of China’s long-term strategy to strengthen its aviation industry and reduce dependency on foreign manufacturers. China Eastern Airlines was the first carrier to introduce the C919 into commercial service, with other major Chinese airlines like Air China and China Southern likely to follow.
International market
The C919 has the potential to succeed in emerging markets, including Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America, where price sensitivity and lower acquisition costs are key factors for airline operators. Budget airlines, like Ryanair, have expressed interest in the C919 due to its potential to offer lower acquisition and operating costs. Leasing companies, such as GECAS (now part of AerCap), have also shown interest, which signals confidence in the C919's potential for international expansion.
Challenges to market expansion
Despite the growing interest, the C919 faces challenges in securing certification from key aviation regulators such as the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is necessary to enter Western markets. Western airlines may also be hesitant to commit to the C919 until it builds a stronger track record of operational reliability and performance.
Pricing of the C919 vs. Airbus, Boeing, and Embraer
Base price comparison
While COMAC has not officially disclosed a fixed list price for the C919, estimates place it at around $99 million per aircraft, which is significantly lower than its Western counterparts.
COMAC C919: Estimated at ~$99 million, with 158–174 seats and a range of 5,555 km.
Boeing 737 MAX 8: Priced around $121 million, with 162–178 seats and a range of 6,570 km.
Airbus A320neo: Priced at approximately $111 million, with 150–180 seats and a range of 6,300 km.
Embraer E195-E2: Estimated at ~$65 million, with 120–146 seats and a range of 4,815 km.
Boeing 737 MAX 7: Priced around $99 million, with 138–153 seats and a range of 7,130 km.
Airbus A220-300: Estimated at ~$91 million, with 130–160 seats and a range of 6,297 km.
Pricing advantage
The C919 is priced lower than both the Boeing 737 MAX and the Airbus A320neo, making it attractive for budget-conscious airlines and markets in developing regions. COMAC is expected to offer even deeper discounts to early buyers, particularly to foreign airlines, in order to establish the C919 in international markets.
Operational and fuel efficiency
Initial reports suggest that the C919’s fuel efficiency is similar to that of the A320neo and 737 MAX, making it competitive in terms of operating costs. The C919 is powered by CFM International LEAP-1C engines, the same family of engines used by Airbus and Boeing models, further boosting its competitiveness in terms of fuel burn and maintenance.
Financing and leasing opportunities
Leasing appeal
The C919 has drawn interest from global leasing companies, including GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS ) and BOC Aviation, which could help promote its adoption by international airlines. Leasing makes it easier for smaller airlines to introduce the C919 into their fleets.
The C919 has strong market potential, particularly in China and emerging markets, where cost efficiency is a priority. Its pricing advantage, coupled with competitive performance and operational costs, positions it as a viable alternative to Airbus and Boeing. However, securing international certification and building operational reliability will be critical for its success on the global stage.
GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS )
GECAS, once a subsidiary of General Electric and one of the largest aircraft leasing companies in the world, merged with AerCap in 2021. Prior to the merger, GECAS had signed an agreement with COMAC to help promote and lease the C919 internationally.
Involvement with the C919
In 2017, GECAS expressed strong interest in the C919 and entered into a leasing agreement with COMAC to assist in leasing the aircraft globally.
GECAS was expected to order around 20–30 C919s to place with airlines interested in testing the aircraft. However, this commitment was never finalized as a firm order, and the merger with AerCap shifted the company’s focus.
Current status
Since the merger with AerCap, the future of GECAS’s direct involvement with the C919 remains unclear.
AerCap has not confirmed any firm orders for the C919, although the company has kept the option open for future evaluation, depending on the aircraft’s international performance and certifications. BOC Aviation (Singapore)
BOC Aviation is a Singapore-based global aircraft leasing company, majority-owned by the Bank of China. It is one of the largest lessors in Asia and has a diversified portfolio of Airbus, Boeing, and Embraer aircraft.
Involvement with the C919
BOC Aviation has shown strong interest in the C919 as part of its strategy to diversify its aircraft portfolio and offer alternatives to traditional Airbus and Boeing narrow-body jets.
In 2018, BOC Aviation placed a non-binding order for 20 C919 aircraft, with options for more as the aircraft progresses through certification and delivery phases.
BOC Aviation’s involvement is seen as a strategic move to support China’s aviation ambitions and provide leasing options for the C919 to regional and international carriers.
Current status:
While no deliveries to BOC Aviation have taken place, the lessor remains committed to adding the C919 to its leasing portfolio.
BOC Aviation’s support is viewed as a key factor in helping the C919 enter emerging markets, particularly in Asia and Africa, where cost-efficient leasing options are highly attractive.
Potential impact on global adoption
Leasing Flexibility: The involvement of GECAS (now AerCap) and BOC Aviation gives airlines the flexibility to test the C919 through leasing arrangements, reducing the financial risk of direct purchase.
Expanding Market Reach: Through leasing, the C919 can be introduced to smaller airlines and emerging markets that may not have the capital to invest in brand-new aircraft.
While GECAS (now AerCap) and BOC Aviation have not yet placed firm, large-scale orders for the C919, their continued interest and leasing agreements have positioned them as critical partners in expanding the C919’s international footprint. BOC Aviation’s commitment of 20 aircraft and GECAS’s earlier involvement underline the importance of leasing companies in promoting the C919’s success globally.
Key facts about the COMAC C919 and its ownership
Aircraft overview
Seats: 158–174 passengers
Range: 5,555 km (3,452 miles)
Engines: CFM International LEAP-1C, used by Airbus A320neo and Boeing 737 MAX
First commercial flight: May 2023 with China Eastern Airlines
Ownership and development
Developed by COMAC (Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China), a state-owned enterprise under the Chinese government.
Part of China's strategy to reduce reliance on Boeing and Airbus, aligned with the «Made in China 2025»initiative.
Suppliers and international involvement
Engines: CFM International (GE and Safran)
Avionics: Rockwell Collins and Honeywell
Landing Gear: Liebherr Aerospace
Production and certification
Assembled in Shanghai with a goal to produce 150 aircraft annually by 2030.
Certified by the CAAC (Civil Aviation Administration of China) in 2022.
Seeking certification from the FAA and EASA for entry into Western markets.
Market potential
Aimed at competing with Airbus A320 and Boeing 737, especially in emerging markets.
Projected to sell over 3,000 units domestically and internationally.
