China’s domestically developed C919 twin-engined passenger jet is poised to make its Middle East debut at the Dubai Airshow, which takes place from November 17 to November 20, 2021. Chinese planemaker COMAC (the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China) has already sent its C919 demonstrator aircraft to Dubai ahead of the show, being held at Dubai’s Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC).
The aircraft is attending the show, making its first appearance in the Middle East, as COMAC seeks to draw more attention on a global stage to its twinjet. While the aircraft has sold moderately well within China, it has yet to secure any orders from a major overseas airline in any numbers. However, as supply chain delays continue to plague the two large Western manufacturers (Airbus and Boeing), COMAC is looking to take advantage of this with the C919.
At the 2025 Dubai Airshow, COMAC joins over 1,500 exhibitors, with the event anticipated to draw more than 148,000 attendees. On Monday, November 10, the C919 jet landed at Al Maktoum International Airport after a refuelling stopover in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
“Expanding into overseas markets is the next milestone for the C919,” said Qi Qi, a senior independent civil aviation industry analyst speaking with the People’s Daily Online. “Given both internal and external environments, the aircraft’s first international commercial flight is likely to take place in partner countries and regions participating in the Belt and Road Initiative.”
“Airlines in Southeast Asia and the Middle East are regarded as having the highest potential to acquire the C919. This is why COMAC places great emphasis on the 2025 Dubai Airshow,” Qi added.
As of November 12, 2025, COMAC has delivered a total of 19 C919 aircraft to three airlines within China – China Eastern Airlines, Air China, and China Southern Airlines. Between these carriers, the C919 operates on 15 routes and currently serves 10 cities within China. In May 2025, the model marked its second anniversary for commercial service, with the 19 in-service jets competing over two million passenger trips over the two years, according to COMAC.