Dhaka: Chinese state-owned aircraft maker Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (Comac) will make its first appearance at the Dubai Airshow this November, organisers said on Tuesday (October 7).

Comac will showcase four aircraft and take part in the flying display, marking its debut in the Middle East as it seeks to position itself as a rival to Airbus and Boeing.

“We have COMAC, the Chinese manufacturer, that will also be coming for the very first time,” said Timothy Hawes, managing director of Informa Markets, which organises the show.

Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths compared Comac’s regional potential to the rapid rise of Chinese electric vehicles, calling the debut “a statement” in the aerospace sector.

Comac has not confirmed which models will be on display. However, industry observers expect the event to highlight the company’s technical direction, including its flagship narrow-body jet, the C919.

The Middle East, particularly the Gulf, is a key growth market for aircraft makers. Comac’s presence underscores its ambition to tap into demand long dominated by Boeing and Airbus.

Earlier this year, Comac cut delivery targets for the C919 from 75 to 25 units. Still, interest is growing, with Cambodia Airways ordering 10 C919 jets and Malaysia’s AirAsia in advanced talks to acquire more.

Airbus and Boeing continue to face post-pandemic delivery delays. Airbus plans to deliver 820 aircraft in 2025, while Boeing also expects to post higher year-on-year numbers.

-B