Chinese aircraft maker Comac sets sights on the Kingdom

Chinese state-owned planemaker Comac is setting its sights on the Kingdom in a bid to compete with Western manufacturers, Reuters reported, citing statements by its chairman Dongfeng He. “Comac envisions enhancing global connectivity and diversity by contributing to Saudi Arabia's aviation transportation development,” He said last week during an aviation forum in Riyadh. He said two of the group’s operational planes — the C919 and ARJ21 regional jet — could boost Saudi’s flight market both domestically and regionally.

Background: Flagship carrier Saudia confirmed to Reuters earlier media reports that it hasinvited Comac to set up an assembly line in Jeddah.

A hurdle along the way: Aviation sources told Reuters that Comac still has a long way to go before it can credibly expand overseas due to the lack of key certifications from the US or European Union and the need for more efficient planes. The US added the Chinese manufacturer in 2021 to its list of companies affiliated to the Chinese military, banning any investments by American firms in it.