Boeing claims that the 737 Max is the safest airplane, while China's C919 is similar to what's already available on the market.

• Boeing's commercial marketing managing director for Asia-Pacific, Dave Schulte, stated that the airplane is the most scrutinized in aviation history and is the safest airplane currently available.
• Boeing did not bring any commercial planes to the Singapore Airshow.
• China's Comac C919 is part of our long-term forecast, as stated by Schulte.

Singapore claimed its 737 Max aircraft to be the safest airplane and stated that China's Comac C919 is similar to the offerings of Airbus and Boeing already in the market.

The 737 Max 9, which is currently under investigation for a midair blowout, is the most scrutinized airplane in the world's history, according to Dave Schulte, Boeing's commercial marketing managing director for Asia-Pacific.

He maintained that it was the safest airplane currently available.

During the Singapore Airshow, Schulte stated that he flew on the 737 Max aircraft with his family last week and noted that the plane was quite full.

In January, Boeing recorded a decline in aircraft orders and deliveries after a midflight blowout of a fuselage panel on one of their 737 Max 9 operated by Alaska Airlines earlier this year raised concerns about safety due to loose bolts found during preliminary inspections.

Boeing announced on Wednesday that it will replace the head of its 737 Max program.

Boeing is not exhibiting any commercial planes at the Singapore Airshow. Instead, it is highlighting its defense capabilities, with a focus on its fighter jets, including the B-52 Stratofortress, which will be part of the U.S. Air Force aerial display.

The company showcased its wide-body 777X passenger plane at the event, claiming it to be the world's largest twin-engine jet. However, deliveries for the aircraft, scheduled for 2025, have been delayed.

China competition not imminent

The Singapore Airshow drew attention to China's domestic jetliner, the Comac C919, as Boeing's commercial jets were absent.

The Comac C919, which has the potential to disrupt the long-standing commercial aviation industry duopoly by Boeing and Airbus, is still in its early stages of competition.

Sobie Aviation's Brendan Sobie stated that it is too early to determine if Comac can challenge the duopoly, and we are unlikely to see a significant C919 overseas order in the near future.

On Tuesday, Comac signed a deal with China's Tibet Airlines and finalized an order for 40 C919 and 10 ARJ21 jets.

On the same day, the Chinese state-backed organization, Henan Civil Aviation Development and Investment Group, signed a deal for six Comac ARJ21 models.

A regional flight aircraft, the ARJ21 jet, is a short to medium range turbofan plane capable of flying shorter distances.

The C919, developed by Comac, is a narrow-body aircraft designed to compete with Boeing's 737 and Airbus's 320.

Boeing's Schulte stated that the airplane in question is similar in size to those produced by both Boeing and Airbus. He added that airlines in Southeast Asia may consider it. However, he cautioned that Comac will also need to address supply disruptions, similar to those experienced by both Boeing and Airbus.

"Without a doubt, the C919 is included in our long-term forecast," Schulte stated.

The aviation and airline industry's recovery from the pandemic has led to increased production by Boeing and Airbus, putting pressure on suppliers who are struggling to meet the growing demand for parts.

Earlier this week, Christian Scherer, CEO of aircraft commercial business, stated that Comac's C919 is not expected to significantly disrupt the market.

He remarked that the C919 resembles an Airbus narrow body, but also pointed out that it is not significantly different from what Airbus and Boeing already offer.