Lao Airlines Prepares to Operate the COMAC C909
Lao Airlines, the flag carrier and state-owned airline of Laos, is set to add the COMAC C909 regional jet to its fleet. According to a company spokesperson, the aircraft is expected to arrive by the end of March, marking a significant milestone in the Chinese manufacturer’s international expansion.
Training and Certification
A group of airline employees recently participated in a training program at COMAC’s Customer Training Center in Shanghai. Photos shared on social media show staff at the facility. Officials from the Lao Civil Aviation Authority (DCAL) were also reported to have attended, though the agency has not commented on the C909’s certification process in the country.
C909: A Key Step for COMAC
The C909, previously known as the ARJ21, is a regional jet with a capacity of up to 90 passengers and represents the first Chinese-made jet to enter commercial production since its debut in 2016. While it lacks the prominence of the C919, its introduction in Laos will strengthen COMAC’s presence outside China and open new opportunities in the region.
→ COMAC aims C919 to fly to Southeast Asia by 2026
Expansion in Southeast Asia
Other Southeast Asian countries are also considering COMAC aircraft. VietJet, a Vietnamese low-cost carrier, has agreed to lease two C909s from Chengdu Airlines and is awaiting approval from Vietnamese regulators.
In Indonesia, TransNusa already operates the model, becoming the first airline outside China to do so. Meanwhile, Bruneian startup GallopAir signed an order in 2023 for 15 C909s and 15 C919s but is still awaiting approval from local regulators. As part of testing, the airline chartered a C909 from China Southern Airlines in January to conduct trial flights in Brunei.
Laos and Chinese Aviation
Laos maintains close ties with China’s aviation industry. The country currently operates Chinese-made MA60 turboprops and, under a 2010 memorandum of understanding, recognizes design certifications issued by Chinese regulators. This means Laos can integrate COMAC aircraft without additional certification processes, unlike Vietnam.
COMAC’s Global Strategy
Since 2023, COMAC has ramped up efforts to market its aircraft internationally, competing with Airbus, Boeing, and Embraer. With increased production of the C909 and C919, the Chinese manufacturer aims to solidify its presence in new markets and attract airlines looking to diversify their fleets.
The entry of the C909 into Lao Airlines’ fleet represents a significant step in COMAC’s international expansion. The Chinese company continues to gain ground in the region, challenging the dominance of Western manufacturers in commercial aviation.
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