China’s Comac eyes Singapore, Hong Kong for overseas offices

Chinese planemaker Comac is considering opening its first offices in Asia outside of mainland China, people familiar with the matter said, as part of a push to help its C919 single-aisle jet gain traction overseas and better compete against aircraft from Airbus SE and Boeing Co. Commercial Aircraft Corp of China Ltd. may make an announcement about an office in Hong Kong as soon as next month, one person said, asking not to be identified because they’re not authorized to speak publicly. The city is seen as an attractive option due to its familiarity and location, the person said, adding that Comac may make a commitment in late October around aircraft maintenance in Hong Kong as well. Comac is also exploring real estate options in Singapore, another person said. Suntec City, near to the city-state’s central business district, is being considered, although no firm decisions have been made, they said. Representatives for Comac didn’t respond to a request for comment. The moves are a step toward convincing foreign airlines to buy Comac’s C919 — a jet that competes directly with Airbus’s A320 and Boeing’s 737 aircraft. Those two incumbents have a network of sales and maintenance facilities around the world as well as supply chain and spare parts support at virtually every airport globally.<br/>