COMAC, the Chinese aircraft manufacturer, has made a strategic proposal to acquire a minimum 51% ownership stake in Lao Airlines, the national carrier of Laos. The offer is part of the Laotian government’s effort to address long-standing financial issues and operational inefficiencies that have plagued the airline for years.
Air China has strengthened its domestic fleet with the delivery of a C919 aircraft, marked by serial number 00027 and powered by LEAP-1C30 engines. This move further solidifies the airline’s position as a key player in China’s rapidly evolving aviation market.
The United States government has implemented new restrictions suspending the export of certain critical aerospace technologies to China, including components related to jet engines that were destined for Chinese aircraft manufacturer COMAC (Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China). The move is part of broader measures to limit China’s access to sensitive dual-use technologies amid escalating geopolitical tensions.
China Southern, one of China’s largest carriers, has officially taken delivery of a COMAC C919 aircraft, serial number 00024, powered by LEAP-1C28 engines manufactured by CFM International. The delivery represents the airline’s commitment to supporting domestic aircraft production and diversifying its narrowbody fleet.
Air China has expanded its fleet with the recent delivery of one COMAC C909, bearing serial number 10180. The aircraft is powered by CF34-10A engines, a regional-class turbofan engine developed by GE Aviation, widely known for its efficiency and reliability.
COMAC is conducting internal studies for a potential supersonic passenger aircraft known as the C949, aimed at entering service in 2049, marking the centennial of the People’s Republic of China. The initiative, while still in conceptual stages, suggests the manufacturer’s long-term ambition to compete with global aviation leaders in high-speed air travel.
VietJet Air (Vietnam) has expanded its fleet with the wet lease of two COMAC ARJ21-700 (C909) aircraft from Chengdu Airlines (China). The aircraft, bearing serial numbers 196 and 185, are both powered by General Electric CF34-10A engines and mark a rare instance of a Vietnamese carrier operating Chinese-built commercial jets.
VietJet, Vietnam’s leading low-cost carrier, is set to become one of the first international airlines to launch commercial operations of the COMAC C909 beginning mid-April 2025, deploying the aircraft on domestic routes within Vietnam. This move marks a significant step for both VietJet and the Chinese-manufactured narrowbody aircraft as it enters international service.
Lao Airlines, the national carrier of Laos, has recently enhanced its fleet with the delivery of its first C909 aircraft, serial number 10156, leased from COMAC (Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China). This new addition is powered by CF34-10A engines, known for their reliability and efficiency.
Lao Airlines, the national carrier of Laos, is poised to enhance its fleet capabilities with the introduction of the C909aircraft. This modern aircraft is scheduled for delivery by the end of March 2025, signaling a major step forward in the airline’s operational expansion.
