The C919 Chinese-made aircraft is poised to enter the African aviation market, offering continental “airlines” more options in fleet diversification and operational cost reduction strategies.
The C919 aircraft developed by the Chinese Commercial Aircraft Corporation or COMAC has a capacity of 158-192 seats.
Abdelamana Berte, executive director of the African Aviation Association, said the invasion of aircraft built in China into Africa will help support the expansion of fleets across the continent.
He said there are many possibilities in the African air transport market, and that air traffic on the continent is expected to double every 15-20 years.
This expected growth, he said, not only supports the expansion of aviation services, but also highlights the need for localized facilities, particularly in maintenance, repairs and training.
Berthe said the association traded the C919 with COMAC after an airshow in Egypt last year, and expressed interest in cooperation to ensure that Chinese-made passenger aircraft can contribute to Africa's aviation development.
“It's good to establish a partnership with COMAC and diversify the value chain of aircraft on the continent,” he said. The C919 aircraft added that its equipment, engines and avionics are similar to aircraft already operating in Africa, making it a suitable option for local operations.
For an aircraft to fly in Africa, several issues need to be addressed, including the availability of spare parts and training pilots and engineers. He said maintenance, repair and overhaul facilities need to be established in Africa for a retainable business.
Berthe said that C919, currently certified by China's Civil Aviation Administration, would need to obtain flight certificates from the European Union and the US Federal Aviation Administration, which would be difficult to operate in Africa without it.
He said obtaining the certificate will greatly improve its reliability and make it a very attractive option for the African market.
On May 28th, C919's two years of commercial operations were marked. According to Xinhua News Agency, 18 C919 aircraft have been delivered to major Chinese airlines, serving 24 routes to 16 cities.
Berthe said it may take several years for the African market to be ready for aircraft. “If COMAC can put together all the key requirements, I think it will offer a strong option to consider and see how African Airlines can improve aircraft efficiency and financial performance,” says Berthe.
He said that while growth in Africa's aviation sector is promising, operators are still working on affordable prices for tickets for African citizens and affordable prices for tickets, which are closely linked to higher economic factors.
At a previous event, Julia Stellu, Kenya Airlines' chief commercial and customer officer, told China that the airline is considering purchasing the aircraft to accommodate Nairobii Beirut. Several other countries, including Nigeria, have announced that they may purchase C919 passenger jets.
