China’s COMAC C919 makes Dubai debut, targets Boeing and Airbus

China’s homegrown C919 jetliner made its first appearance outside East Asia at the Dubai Airshow 2025, signaling Beijing’s ambition to challenge Boeing and Airbus in the narrow-body aircraft market.

China’s COMAC is pushing its narrow-body C919 onto the global stage, showcasing a demonstration flight at the Dubai Airshow as part of its plan to compete with aviation giants Boeing and Airbus. The aircraft’s list price is estimated at $99 million, though analysts suggest the real production cost could be closer to $50 million per plane, thanks to government subsidies and financial support. By comparison, an Airbus A320neo costs around $111 million, and a Boeing 737 MAX about $121 million, giving COMAC a clear price advantage for budget-conscious airlines and emerging markets.

COMAC plans to ramp up production to 150 aircraft per year by 2029, reflecting its serious ambitions in the narrow-body segment, where Airbus and Boeing have long dominated. At the airshow, the company also displayed a stretched version of the C919 seating 210 passengers, targeting competition with the Airbus A321neo and Boeing 737 MAX 10, alongside plans for a wide-body C929, initially co-developed with Russia.

However, the C919 faces key challenges: neither the C919 nor its smaller sibling, the C909, has FAA or EASA certification, limiting international sales. The company also relies on foreign components, including CFM LEAP-1C engines, exposing it to potential geopolitical and supply chain risks. So far, COMAC has not secured major global orders, restricting its international market presence.

Despite these hurdles, government backing, competitive pricing, and expanding production capacity provide COMAC with opportunities in domestic and developing markets. If the company overcomes certification and technical barriers, the C919 could emerge as a legitimate third player in the narrow-body sector, challenging Boeing and Airbus. In the short term, growth will rely on China’s domestic market, while global success depends on regulatory approvals, stable supply chains, and reliable after-sales service.