Malaysia Airlines has not ruled out adding the COMAC C919 to its fleet, but the airline says certification by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) remains an important condition before it considers ordering the aircraft.
Bryan Foong, chief executive officer of airline business at Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), told the South China Morning Post that he expects the C919 to eventually obtain European certification. He said approval by Western regulators would carry significant weight because many countries rely on those safety assessments when accepting new aircraft types.
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July 11, 2026
Foong added that the C919 could become a realistic option during the next decade as aviation and economic ties between China, Malaysia and other Southeast Asian countries continue to expand.
Western certification remains one of COMAC's biggest obstacles outside China. The C919 entered commercial service in 2023, but the aircraft still lacks approval from EASA and the US Federal Aviation Administration. EASA has indicated the validation process is unlikely to be completed before around 2028.
COMAC has also struggled to increase production. The manufacturer remains well below its original delivery targets because of supply-chain constraints and a shortage of skilled aerospace workers, limiting the number of aircraft available for delivery.
The C919 currently flies with Air China, China Eastern Airlines and China Southern Airlines. COMAC has also held discussions with several Southeast Asian carriers, including AirAsia and Garuda Indonesia, although limited production has constrained deliveries outside China.
Designed to compete with the Airbus A320neo and Boeing 737 MAX families, the twin-engine narrowbody seats about 160 to 190 passengers and is powered by CFM International LEAP-1C engines.
