Chinese jets set to enter African aviation market

Chinese-made aircraft C919 is poised to enter the African aviation market, offering the continent's airlines more options in their fleet diversification and operational cost reduction strategies.

The C919 aircraft, developed by Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China, or COMAC, has a capacity of between 158 and 192 seats.

Abderahmane Berthe, secretary-general of the African Airlines Association, said the entry of Chinese-built aircraft into Africa will help to enhance connectivity and support fleet expansion across the continent.

He said Africa's air transport market has a lot of potential, noting air traffic in the continent is expected to double every 15 to 20 years.

This expected growth not only supports the expansion of air services but also underscores the need for localized facilities, particularly in maintenance, repair, and training, he said.

Berthe said the association has had exchanges with COMAC about C919 after an air show in Egypt last year, and expressed interest in cooperation so the Chinese-made passenger plane can contribute to the aviation development in Africa.

"It would be good to establish a partnership with COMAC to diversify the value chain of aircraft on the continent," he said, adding the C919 aircraft could be a good option for regional operations because its equipment, engine and avionics are similar to the aircraft already operating in Africa.

For the aircraft to be flown in Africa, some issues need to be addressed such as the availability of spare parts as well as the training of pilots and engineers. Maintenance, repair, and overhaul facilities would need to be established in Africa for sustainable operations, he said.

Berthe said that currently, the C919, already certified by the Civil Aviation Administration of China, will have to obtain flying certificates from the European Union and the Federal Aviation Administration of the United States, without which it will be hard to operate in Africa.

He said obtaining the certificates would significantly enhance its credibility and make it a very attractive option for the African market.

May 28 marked two years of commercial operations of C919. Eighteen C919 aircraft have been delivered to major Chinese airlines, serving 24 routes across 16 cities, according to Xinhua News Agency.

Berthe said it may take a few years for the African market to be ready for the aircraft. "I believe that if COMAC can bring together all the key requirements, it could present a strong option for African airlines to consider and see how it can improve the efficiency and financial performance of their aircraft," Berthe said.

He said that while the African aviation sector's growth is promising, operators still grapple with the high cost of operations and the affordability of air tickets for African citizens, challenges that are closely linked to broader economic factors.

At an earlier event, Julius Thairu, chief commercial and customer officer at Kenya Airways, told China Daily the airline is considering buying the aircraft to cater to its Nairobi-Beijing route, which is expected to be launched later in the year. Some other countries, including Nigeria, announced they may buy the C919 passenger jet.