Airbus executive Christian Scherer downplays concerns about competition from China's Comac C919, stating that the narrow-body jet is not significantly different from existing offerings. Despite acknowledging the C919 as a legitimate effort by China, Scherer welcomes the competition, emphasizing the market's size. Comac recently finalized an order for 40 C919 and 10 ARJ21 jets with China's Tibet Airlines, signaling its growing presence in the aviation industry.
China will debut its Comac C919 aircraft at the Singapore Airshow, which will also feature aerial acrobatics and displays by aerospace industry leaders. The event will focus on defense aviation and private jets, with a spotlight on emerging air mobility technologies such as air taxis. The International Air Transport Association predicts a gradual recovery for the airline industry, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region, with full recovery expected by 2024.
The Singapore air show is set to showcase the COMAC C919, China's first homegrown passenger jet, as the aviation industry grapples with supply chain issues and geopolitical tensions. The event will also focus on sustainability in commercial aviation, with discussions on reducing carbon emissions and the challenges of sustainable aviation fuel production. Additionally, regional defense systems will be a highlight, with rising defense budgets and interest in systems for intercepting missiles and drones amid conflicts in Ukraine and the Red Sea.
