Total Linhas Aereas, a small cargo and charter airline based in Brazil, may be preparing to place an order for the COMAC C919, the Chinese rival to the Airbus A320neo and Boeing 737 Max aircraft families.
This action has the potential to change the Brazilian aviation sector while also highlighting the international market potential of Chinese aircraft makers.
The discussions between Total Linhas Aéreas and the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) over the probable purchase of the C919 indicate how the dynamics of the aviation market may be evolving. The Brazilian airline, which now operates a fleet of eight older aircraft, including retrofitted Boeing 727 and 737 freighters, is compelled to seek alternatives to established Western manufacturers. Both Airbus and Boeing have reached their supply capacity for new aircraft for the next decade, leaving Total Linhas Aéreas with the challenge of procuring new and contemporary aircraft in a timely way.
With an average age of 29.4 years, the Brazilian airline’s present fleet is among the oldest in the country. The Boeing 727, in particular, has reached an astonishing age of almost 46 years, posing a burden on flight operations and maintenance expenses. Given the circumstances, the potential purchase of the C919 appears to be both a pragmatic and strategic decision to upgrade operations and remain competitive.
The Rise of COMAC C919
COMAC designed the C919 as an alternative to proven models from Airbus and Boeing, and it made its first flight in 2017. Since then, COMAC has delivered 15 aircraft, including seven to China Eastern Airlines. The model has sparked considerable interest in the local Chinese market, as large orders from China Southern Airlines, Air China, and China Eastern Airlines have been the cornerstone of the C919’s success thus far. China Southern Airlines’ purchase for 100 aircraft in 2023 demonstrates confidence in the potential of this new aircraft type.
However, COMAC has so far struggled to gain a foothold in international markets. The aircraft’s technical maturity, lack of global customer service and dependence on foreign suppliers such as General Electric and Honeywell have prevented many Western airlines from seriously considering purchasing the C919. With its potential order, Total Linhas Aéreas could become one of the first Western airlines to go down this route.
Brazil as a potential new COMAC market?
In addition to being a significant milestone for COMAC in the South American market, the acquisition of four C919 aircraft by Total Linhas Aéreas would serve as a crucial test case for the Chinese aviation sector. Being one of Latin America’s biggest aviation markets, the move made by a Brazilian airline may serve as a signal to other airlines operating in the area. With Brazilian aircraft maker Embraer having historically had a significant presence in this market, the launch of the C919 could alter the competitive landscape.
At the same time, Total Linhas Aéreas stresses that there are no satisfactory alternatives in the country. Embraer, known for its regional jets, does not offer an aircraft the size of the C919, which makes the Brazilian airline’s search for a suitable model even more difficult.
Despite the interest in the C919, questions remain, particularly regarding the certification and operation of this aircraft outside of China. The C919 has not yet received certification from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which could complicate its use in international airlines. However, if COMAC makes progress in certifying its aircraft in other regions in the coming years, this could pave the way for more international orders.
A further concern for Total Linhas Aéreas is how successfully the C919 can be incorporated into the current fleet structure. The provision of spare parts, employee training, and maintenance will be essential components of this possible transaction. Nonetheless, a long-term collaboration with COMAC would also allow Total Linhas Aéreas to get access to cutting-edge technology and take on a trailblazing position in South American aviation.
In addition to modernizing Total’s fleet, selecting the Chinese manufacturer would grant COMAC significant access to the global market if the Brazilian airline makes this decision.