BEIJING (Euro News) - China’s state-owned aircraft producer, Comac, is already being used by some of the country’s biggest airlines, and has plans to expand further in southeast Asian markets, before eyeing Western markets.
China has embarked on a course of expansion aimed at rapidly increasing its aircraft market share, through Comac, the country’s first domestic state-owned aerospace manufacturer, according to Financial Times. 
If successful, Comac could provide considerable competition down the line to established aviation players such as Airbus and Boeing.  
Some of China’s largest airlines, China Eastern Airlines, Air China and China Southern Airlines are already using Comac’s flagship aircraft, the C919, on domestic routes. 
The narrow-body, single aisle passenger jet, which has already received a number of subsidies, completed its first commercial flight back in 2023. However, although it is already being used for key routes, the aircraft is awaiting some certifications which will allow it to fly internationally. 
Comac is also developing the C929, which will be the company’s first wide body jet. 
Can China’s Comac steal market share away from Boeing and Airbus?
The current Chinese government has been heavily investing in Comac, in an attempt to increase the size of its domestic aviation market, while also solidifying its position in the international market.
It is Beijing’s aim to be less reliant on foreign aircraft manufacturers. This is in line with China’s plans to advance its technological power over the next few years.
Both short-haul and long-haul air travel has surged post-pandemic, boosted by cheaper fares and more deals on popular destinations. Mordor Intelligence expects the aviation market to expand from $343.54bn (€333.14bn) to $395.76bn (€383.78bn) by the end of the decade.