CHINA- Tony Fernandes, the CEO of Capital A, which operates as AirAsia Group, recently (April 2, 2024) visited the facilities of COMAC and was truly impressed by what he saw.
He expressed his admiration for the achievements of the Chinese aircraft manufacturer in building a plane, acknowledging that it is no easy feat. One of the key takeaways from his visit was the realization that AirAsia now has a viable third choice when it comes to selecting aircraft for its fleet.
Will AirAsia Order COMAC Planes?
During his visit to COMAC, Tony Fernandes was blown away by the innovation and technology that went into building their planes and the company’s commitment to being a long-term partner.
He noted that there was a genuine sense of friendship and collaboration, with no egos in sight. This kind of approach, focused on working together to achieve mutual success, resonated deeply with him.
In his observations, Fernandes highlighted a stark contrast between the approach of some Western firms and that of COMAC. He noted that many companies in the West have shifted their focus away from loyalty and customer service, instead opting for short-term gains and a narrow view of success.
In contrast, COMAC’s long-term strategy and emphasis on trust were refreshing, underscoring the importance of building strong relationships with partners.
One of the most striking aspects of Fernandes’ visit was the level of automation and artificial intelligence (AI) utilized in COMAC’s manufacturing processes.
He marveled at the efficiency and precision of the systems in place, noting that he had never seen anything like it before. This commitment to innovation and cutting-edge technology bodes well for the future of the company and its continued success in the industry.
AirAsia China Failed, but Cambodia Succeeded
AirAsia’s interest in Comac has not been developed recently, reported Jennifer Meszaros on Medium.
As far back as 2017, AirAsia China, a newly unveiled startup joint venture involving AirAsia, openly expressed interest in the C919 aircraft.
This initiative stemmed from a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between AirAsia, China’s Everbright Group, and the Henan Government Working Group, aimed at establishing a low-cost carrier in Zhengzhou, the capital of Henan province in central China.
While AirAsia China never materialized, AirAsia Cambodia has successfully been established.
After years of unsuccessful attempts to enter the Cambodian market, Fernandes finally succeeded last year by signing an agreement with Cambodian hospitality firm Sivilai Asia. Last month, AirAsia unveiled its inaugural AirAsia Cambodia flight, scheduled to operate between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap starting May 2.
The low-cost carrier (LCC) will serve routes connecting the two cities and routes to the coastal province of Sihanoukville, utilizing two Airbus A320 aircraft.
Indonesia in Better Shape to Serve COMAC
In the comparison between Cambodia and Indonesia, despite their strong diplomatic ties, Indonesia emerges as a more favorable candidate to serve as the C919’s launch customer.
Indonesia and China have already established collaborative experience in validating and maintaining the airworthiness of the ARJ21 aircraft. This collaborative effort required extensive coordination, communication, and consensus-building, indicating a solid foundation for future partnerships.
CALC’s association with TransNusa, the airline’s utilization of ARJ21 routes, and the presence of a Jakarta office all create advantageous circumstances for launching the C919 in the island nation.
While acknowledging that the representative office is still in its early stages of development, there are valuable lessons to be gleaned from this process. Therefore, it is an opportune moment for Comac to concentrate on incrementally expanding its presence in Indonesia.
Additionally, Indonesia’s status as a signatory to the Capetown Convention offers certain legal protections that Cambodia lacks. Although AirAsia might contemplate adding the C919 to its Cambodian joint venture, Indonesia’s small yet evolving aerospace industry, particularly with PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI) spearheading the development of Short Take-Off and Landing (STOL) capable aircraft, presents a more promising landscape.
Revitalizing Indonesia’s aerospace sector is integral to enhancing economic productivity and realizing the country’s socio-economic objectives outlined in the Golden Indonesia 2045 Vision.
Also Read: AirAsia CEO Travelled on Singapore Airlines As His Flight was Full, People Trolls Him – Aviation A2Z
Looking Ahead: Opportunities for Collaboration
As AirAsia considers its options for expanding its fleet, the positive impression left by COMAC during Tony Fernandes’ visit has opened up new possibilities for collaboration.
The shared values of loyalty, customer service, and a long-term view align closely with AirAsia’s own ethos, making the prospect of working together even more appealing. With a focus on innovation and excellence, both companies stand to benefit from a partnership built on trust and a shared commitment to success.
In the end, Tony Fernandes’ visit to COMAC highlighted the importance of long-term strategy, collaboration, and innovation in the aviation industry. The positive experience and insights gained during his time at the company’s facilities have laid the groundwork for potential future partnerships and opportunities for growth.
As AirAsia continues to navigate the evolving landscape of air travel, the lessons learned from COMAC will undoubtedly shape its approach to securing a competitive edge in the market.
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