THE SINO AVIATION DIPLOMACY ACROSS ASIA

Abstract

The Commercial Aircraft Corp of China (COMAC), a state-owned enterprise, has strategically positioned itself within the global aviation sector through the introduction of the ARJ21 regional jet and the C919 narrow-body aircraft. The inaugural commercial flight of the C919 in May 2023 positioned it in direct competition with the Boeing 737 Max and the Airbus A320. The utilization of aviation diplomacy by China, exemplified through COMAC's promotional activities in Asia, seeks to enhance its economic and diplomatic influence via collaboration in civil aviation. The qualitative study, employing a single case and documentary evidence, suggests that COMAC's initiatives extend beyond mere marketing efforts. The participation in the 2024 Singapore Air Show, along with subsequent demonstration visits to Laos and Malaysia, has resulted in significant international attention for its advertising campaign, leading to initial orders. The sales encompass the inaugural foreign delivery of the ARJ21 to TransNusa Airlines in Indonesia, as well as a significant agreement with GallopAir, based in Brunei, for the acquisition of 30 aircraft, which includes the first overseas purchase of the C919. The study indicates that the Civil Aviation Administration of China is actively participating in aviation diplomacy. This involves bilateral aviation safety arrangements, such as the Working Arrangement with Indonesia, as well as regulatory modifications in Brunei and Vietnam aimed at recognizing and adopting airworthiness standards. The diplomatic and regulatory initiatives are essential to address structural challenges, such as the market dominance of the Boeing-Airbus duopoly, the reliance of the C919's supply chain on Western suppliers for critical components, and the certification obstacles posed by the FAA and EASA. China is utilizing the aircraft produced by COMAC as instruments of diplomacy and commerce, thereby demonstrating its technological aspirations and reinforcing connections within Asia.