Brazil’s Total Linhas Aereas is reportedly in discussions to purchase up to four Comac C919 jets, according to a Reuters report. The ongoing supply chain issues affecting industry giants Airbus and Boeing have opened new avenues for Chinese manufacturer Comac to explore.
While Brazil is also home to Embraer, known for its impressive range of regional jets, their models typically accommodate fewer passengers than the larger Chinese C919.
The interest from Total Linhas Aereas marks a significant development, as the Chinese manufacturer seems poised to secure its first order from a Western airline amid the operational challenges faced by Boeing and Airbus. Paulo Almada, the controlling partner of the Brazilian charter and cargo airline, confirmed that talks with Comac have been underway for several months. Almada is set to visit Comac next month to delve deeper into discussions surrounding the potential order.
The C919 represents a narrowbody jet designed to rival the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 Max. Although Comac aims to penetrate this competitive market, the aircraft is considered less advanced than its counterparts, with a range that falls short by 500 miles compared to the A320neo. Since its entry into commercial service in May 2023, the C919 has garnered over 1,000 orders, with the vast majority originating from Chinese airlines.
Comac’s recent outreach beyond Southeast Asia, including discussions with Saudi officials reported earlier this year, signals a strategic push for growth on a larger scale. Establishing a presence in Brazil could prove pivotal for Comac as it strives to enhance its competitive edge against established industry players.
“The industry is facing supply shortages, but Comac has assured us that they could deliver the aircraft by next March,” Almada noted during his conversation with Reuters.
These supply chain hurdles have impeded Airbus’s efforts to increase production of the A320neo family, which stands as the world’s leading narrowbody jet. As of July, the company faced a staggering backlog of over 7,000 aircraft. On the other hand, Boeing has had to curtail production of the 737 Max amidst increased regulatory scrutiny following a major incident involving Alaska Airlines earlier this year.
The potential deal between Comac and Total Linhas Aereas is particularly interesting because of Brazil’s role as the home of Embraer—a major player in the regional jet market. Reports indicate that Embraer has available delivery slots in 2026; however, its aircraft typically seat fewer passengers compared to the C919. For example, the Embraer E195-E2 accommodates up to 146 passengers, while the C919 boasts a capacity of up to 192.
Senator Rogerio Carvalho of Brazil’s ruling Workers Party, who has participated in meetings with Total Linhas Aereas, remarked that Brazil would anticipate increased Chinese demand for Embraer jets in exchange for this budding relationship with Comac.
Should Total Linhas Aereas move forward with the C919, it would not be without its challenges. The reliability of the jet remains in question, as data from Ch-aviation indicates that only nine C919s are currently operational, all within Chinese airlines. Additionally, the lack of a support network for the C919 in Brazil could pose significant hurdles.
In a previous appearance on “The Air Show” podcast, United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby expressed skepticism regarding Comac’s potential to disrupt the Airbus-Boeing duopoly. He remarked that while it’s possible for new competition to emerge, he views Comac becoming a recognized global player as “unlikely.”