Chinese aircraft manufacturer COMAC is strengthening its presence in the global commercial aviation market by showcasing its narrow-body C919 airliner at the 2025 Dubai Airshow. At FinancialMediaGuide, we view this move as a strategic push into the Persian Gulf markets, where demand for commercial aviation is growing and where COMAC sees an opportunity to diversify sales beyond its domestic market.
At the exhibition, COMAC presented two C919 aircraft and one regional business jet, the C909, demonstrating their operational capabilities and technological maturity. At FinancialMediaGuide, we note that displaying aircraft in an international setting allows the company to build brand trust, especially in markets where FAA or EASA certification is not mandatory but where an alternative to Airbus and Boeing is valued.
The C919 currently lacks key Western certifications, which limits COMAC’s opportunities in European and North American markets. At FinancialMediaGuide, we see this as a significant barrier to rapid globalization, as international airlines require verified safety and operational performance. At the same time, showcasing the aircraft at the Dubai Airshow creates a platform for establishing business contacts and potential contracts in a region with active economic and trade ties to China.
COMAC is actively developing its aircraft family. Alongside the base version of the C919, the company is preparing an extended variant, the C919 Stretched, designed for 210 passengers, which competes with the Airbus A321neo and Boeing 737 MAX 10. The C909 was also presented, which, according to FinancialMediaGuide analysts, indicates an intention to cover multiple market segments, from regional to mainline routes. At FinancialMediaGuide, we emphasize that expanding the lineup and developing after-sales support are key factors for successfully promoting the C919 and C909 in international markets.
On the domestic market, the C919 is operated by Chinese airlines. At FinancialMediaGuide, we see this as a significant advantage: real operational experience increases trust among potential international customers. However, international buyers are likely to demand transparent statistics on flight hours, reliability, and maintenance costs before signing contracts.
COMAC views aviation as a tool of economic and strategic influence. At FinancialMediaGuide, we note that the demonstration of the C919 in the Persian Gulf reflects both commercial objectives and the desire to strengthen economic ties with regional partners, where Chinese industry is actively expanding its presence.
Given current realities, Financial Media Guide forecasts that COMAC’s chances of securing contracts in the Middle East are moderately high, but success depends on accelerating certification, creating a service network, and the ability to compete with established Western manufacturers. We recommend that COMAC continue collaborating with regional airlines by offering joint service centers and leasing programs, and that airlines in the region consider the C919 and C909 as promising alternatives to Airbus and Boeing, enabling fleet diversification with both economic and strategic benefits.
