(Bandar Seri Begawan, 26th) According to a Reuters report, Brunei has become the latest country to allow its airlines to operate Chinese-made aircraft. According to new regulations announced on Thursday by Brunei’s Department of Civil Aviation (DCA), any aircraft model certified by China’s Civil Aviation Administration (CAAC) can now be registered in Brunei and put into commercial operation. This move is seen as a major show of support for China’s commercial aircraft manufacturer, COMAC.
Although Brunei’s market is not large, each time a Chinese-made aircraft is recognized by a new country, it symbolizes a new breakthrough for China in the global aviation sector. As global demand for new aircraft soars amid ongoing trade tensions, Beijing is actively seeking international recognition for its domestically produced aircraft.
COMAC’s current main models include the C909 (a regional jet seating about 90) and the C919 (a narrow-body trunkliner), but both types still lack certification from European and American aviation authorities. Nevertheless, Beijing is promoting these planes through cooperation with regional allies such as Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, and Indonesia; now Brunei joins this group.
This initiative is mainly led by GallopAir, a local Bruneian startup airline. Backed by Chinese capital, GallopAir placed an order as early as 2023 for 15 C909s and 15 C919s, becoming the first non-Chinese airline to order the C919.
Prior to the new regulations, Brunei’s civil aviation authority only recognized regulatory certification from the US, Canada, Europe, and Brazil, meaning that only aircraft from Boeing, Airbus, and Embraer could be approved. With the latest revision, the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) has officially been added to the list of recognized authorities, allowing Chinese-made aircraft to legally operate in Brunei.
Currently, COMAC has yet to deliver any aircraft to GallopAir. The company’s CEO, Cham Chi, told Reuters that the timing of the first delivery is still uncertain. However, analysts point out that this move not only helps diversify Brunei’s aviation sector but also lays a key foundation for Chinese-made aircraft to expand in the international market.
Although Brunei’s market is not large, each time a Chinese-made aircraft is recognized by a new country, it symbolizes a new breakthrough for China in the global aviation sector. As global demand for new aircraft soars amid ongoing trade tensions, Beijing is actively seeking international recognition for its domestically produced aircraft.
COMAC’s current main models include the C909 (a regional jet seating about 90) and the C919 (a narrow-body trunkliner), but both types still lack certification from European and American aviation authorities. Nevertheless, Beijing is promoting these planes through cooperation with regional allies such as Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, and Indonesia; now Brunei joins this group.
This initiative is mainly led by GallopAir, a local Bruneian startup airline. Backed by Chinese capital, GallopAir placed an order as early as 2023 for 15 C909s and 15 C919s, becoming the first non-Chinese airline to order the C919.
Prior to the new regulations, Brunei’s civil aviation authority only recognized regulatory certification from the US, Canada, Europe, and Brazil, meaning that only aircraft from Boeing, Airbus, and Embraer could be approved. With the latest revision, the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) has officially been added to the list of recognized authorities, allowing Chinese-made aircraft to legally operate in Brunei.
Currently, COMAC has yet to deliver any aircraft to GallopAir. The company’s CEO, Cham Chi, told Reuters that the timing of the first delivery is still uncertain. However, analysts point out that this move not only helps diversify Brunei’s aviation sector but also lays a key foundation for Chinese-made aircraft to expand in the international market.