Mongolia is considering the COMAC C919 as a possible aircraft for the future renewal of MIAT Mongolian Airlines’ fleet, according to the country’s Minister of Roads and Transport, Borkhuu Delgersaikhan.
The minister discussed the Chinese narrowbody during a meeting with COMAC executives in Shanghai on September 24. The talks covered the requirements that would have to be addressed before the aircraft could enter service with Mongolia’s national carrier.
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Among the issues under evaluation are airworthiness certification, safety, performance in Mongolia’s cold climate and at high-altitude airports, range, fuel consumption, spare-parts availability and maintenance support.
COMAC said it was prepared to cooperate with Mongolia on aircraft operation, technical support, maintenance and personnel training. Neither side announced an order, a proposed number of aircraft or a timetable for a possible acquisition.
C919 already flies to Mongolia
The talks follow the introduction of the C919 on scheduled international services to Mongolia. Air China began operating the aircraft between Beijing and Ulaanbaatar on August 12, the first regular international route flown by the Chinese-built jet.
Delgersaikhan and MIAT CEO T. Telmen attended the inaugural ceremony in Ulaanbaatar, alongside representatives of the Mongolian civil aviation authorities and Chinese officials.
COMAC had already approached Mongolia over certification of its aircraft. In April 2024, the manufacturer presented the C919 and ARJ21 to the country’s civil aviation authority and expressed interest in obtaining local certification for both types.
MIAT currently operates a mixed fleet that includes Boeing 737 MAX 8 and 787-9 aircraft. The airline has also held discussions with Western manufacturers as it evaluates its future fleet, with Boeing cooperation among the subjects discussed by MIAT officials in August.
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The C919 is currently certified by Chinese authorities but does not have certification from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration or the European Union Aviation Safety Agency.
Mongolia could approve the aircraft through its own regulatory process, and certification recognition was among the subjects raised during the September meeting with COMAC.
