AirAsia, through its parent company Capital A, has confirmed it is in active negotiations with China’s COMAC to purchase the C919 narrow-body jet. If finalized, the deal would make AirAsia the first airline outside China to operate the aircraft.
Capital A CEO Tony Fernandes praised the C919, stating, “We’re in active discussions to buy the C919… Most of the West is not taking the COMAC aircraft seriously; I can tell you it’s a fantastic aircraft. We are very serious.”
The C919, already in commercial service in China and having carried over 1.5 million passengers, still awaits international certifications to expand globally. Malaysian Transport Minister Anthony Loke has urged COMAC to accelerate certification and marketing efforts to boost international confidence.
This potential order underscores AirAsia’s strategy to diversify its fleet and could mark a milestone in opening global markets for COMAC.
Source: Aerospace Global News
