Brunei Approves Operation of Chinese-Built Aircraft

Brunei has authorized its airlines to operate aircraft manufactured in China, following new aviation regulations published on Thursday.

The policy change comes as China’s COMAC seeks broader international recognition amid rising global demand for new aircraft and ongoing trade tensions.

Until now, Brunei’s Department of Civil Aviation had recognized only aircraft certified by regulators in the United States, Canada, Europe, or Brazil. The amendment adds the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) to the list of approved authorities.

GallopAir, a start-up airline based in Brunei, placed orders in 2023 for 15 COMAC C919s and 15 C909s. If confirmed, it would become the first non-Chinese airline to order the C919.

CEO Cham Chi confirmed the order as part of GallopAir’s plan to serve short- and medium-haul regional routes.

The C909, a 90-seat regional jet, entered commercial service in 2016 as China’s first domestically built jetliner. The C919, designed to compete with the Airbus A320neo and Boeing 737 MAX, is currently operated only by Chinese airlines.

In 2024, GallopAir debuted a charter flight from Guangzhou to Brunei, operated by an C909 leased from China Southern Airlines.

COMAC has yet to deliver any aircraft to GallopAir, and the timeline for the first handover remains uncertain. Earlier this year, Vietnam also added the CAAC to its list of recognized aviation regulators.

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