Chinese aircraft maker, airline join hands to tap African market

China's homemade ARJ21 regional jets are expected to enter the African market, according to a memorandum of understanding between Hainan Airlines (HNA) and the Commercial Aircraft Corp. of China (COMAC) that was signed on Friday.

The fourth ARJ21-700 made by the Commercial Aircraft Corp of China (COMAC), the country's first indigenously designed regional jet, is pictured to leave Shanghai for Chengdu Airlines at the Shanghai Dachang Air Base in Shanghai, China, 28 December 2017.[File photo: IC]

HNA will deliver ARJ21 regional jets into African countries based on its global airline network and partnerships with African airliners such as the Ghana-based AWA.

HNA and COMAC will take an active role to assist African countries in building regional airline networks, carry out cooperation in areas including aircraft maintenance, aviation materials supply and personnel training.

The two companies also set eyes on establishing a jet leasing company in Africa to support sales of domestically made planes.

He Dongfeng, COMAC board chairman, said its partnership with HNA is conducive to helping Chinese commercial aircraft and aviation transportation industry expand into the global market.

"The aviation sector in Africa has huge market potential," said HNA chairman Chen Feng, adding the partnership will promote the development of Chinese made jets.

According to an agreement in June, HNA agreed to buy 100 ARJ21 jets and 200 C919 passenger aircraft from COMAC.