Airlines

Comac Eyes Saudi Arabian Market to Challenge Western Aircraft Giants

Chinese state-owned aircraft manufacturer Comac is setting its sights on Saudi Arabia as a strategic launch pad for its international ambitions.

The company is stepping up efforts to sell its aircraft overseas and penetrate a passenger jet market that has long been dominated by Western manufacturers, such as Airbus and Boeing. Comac’s Chairman Dongfeng He made his inaugural visit to Saudi Arabia this week, a significant follow-up to a visit by a Saudi delegation to Comac’s facilities in Shanghai in February.

This reciprocal visit highlights the growing interest and potential partnership between Comac and Saudi Arabia. The centerpiece of Comac’s international strategy is the Comac C919, a narrowbody aircraft designed to compete directly with Airbus’ A320neo and Boeing’s 737 Max.

While the C919 has primarily received orders from China and Southeast Asia, Comac is now looking to expand its market reach into the Middle East. Speaking at an aviation conference in Riyadh, He expressed Comac’s vision of enhancing global connectivity and diversity by contributing to the development of Saudi Arabia’s aviation transportation.

He detailed plans for improving connectivity within a 2,000-kilometer radius of Saudi Arabia, encompassing the Arabian Peninsula, the Middle East, Turkey, and North Africa. In addition to the C919, Comac has ambitions to launch a long-haul wide-body aircraft, the C929, which could support Saudi Arabia’s aspirations to become an international aviation hub. However, the C929 program has encountered delays and the aircraft has yet to make its maiden flight.

By focusing on Saudi Arabia, Comac aims to establish a foothold in a region that could serve as a gateway for further international expansion, positioning itself as a formidable competitor to Western aircraft manufacturers once it addresses remaining safety and technological concerns.

Airlines

Air India to Launch aircraft maintenance training institute in Bengaluru

Air India, one of India’s leading global airlines, is set to establish a Basic Maintenance Training Organization (BMTO) in Bengaluru.

This institute will offer a comprehensive Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME) program certified by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The program will follow an integrated 2+2 year structure, combining classroom learning with practical, hands-on training.

This initiative is part of Air India’s broader goal of creating a robust aviation ecosystem in India. With plans to expand its fleet and strengthen its operations, the airline aims to build a skilled workforce of maintenance engineers, making the organization self-reliant while supporting its ambitious transformation journey.

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To bring this vision to life, air india has partnered with Bengaluru Airport City Limited (BACL), a subsidiary of Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL). Together, they will develop a state-of-the-art facility spanning 86,000 square feet at Bengaluru Airport City.

This purpose-built campus will feature modern classrooms, well-equipped laboratories, and qualified trainers to deliver world-class education and training. The institute is expected to become operational by mid-2026.

The BMTO will be located close to Air India’s new 12-bay Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility, also set to open in Bengaluru by early 2026. The AME program will begin with two years of academic coursework, followed by two years of practical training at the MRO, ensuring students receive hands-on experience adhering to industry standards.

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In the meantime, Air India has introduced a Cadet AME program in collaboration with reputable institutions in Bengaluru and Hyderabad.

This ensures continuity in its commitment to developing skilled aircraft maintenance engineers while the BMTO facility is under construction. The program also allows students to pursue a bachelor’s degree through university partnerships, enhancing their career and academic opportunities.

With this initiative, air india plane aims to address the growing demand for skilled professionals in aircraft maintenance and engineering, air india new planes contributing to the development of India’s aviation sector and creating specialized career paths for aspiring engineers.