China and Malaysia released a joint statement last week on building a high-level strategic partnership and a shared future. In the section focused on deepening development cooperation, the statement noted:
* Both countries will continue to encourage enterprises to engage in new energy collaboration based on commercial principles, jointly foster green economy initiatives, and explore cooperation in sectors such as rail transit equipment, aerospace, and nuclear power. The two sides also support Malaysia's airlines in introducing and operating Chinese commercial aircraft, contributing to industrial upgrading and energy transition in both countries.
This suggests that major Malaysian carriers—such as Malaysia Airlines or AirAsia—may soon become new operators of China’s commercial jets, including the C919 or the C909.
The C909 is already gaining traction across Southeast Asia:
* Indonesia's TransNusantara Airlines, the aircraft's first international customer, has been operating it for nearly two years.
* Lao Airlines became the second overseas operator, launching C909 services on its domestic routes on April 12.
* VietJet Air is expected to be the third international customer.
* Will the fourth overseas customer come from Malaysia—or perhaps Cambodia? Stay tuned.
