Introduction to Total Linhas Aéreas’ Ambitious Plan
Total Linhas Aéreas, a Brazilian small cargo and charter airline, is set to embark on a significant partnership with Comac (Chinese Commercial Aircraft Corporation). With plans to acquire up to four C919 aircraft, Total aims to establish a fresh chapter in its operational capabilities. This acquisition would position Total as the second foreign airline, following Indonesia’s TransNusa, to operate Comac aircraft, marking a historic moment for aviation outside Asia.
Negotiations and Commitments
Discussions between Total and Comac have advanced over recent months, with Total’s managing partner, Paulo Almada, expressing intentions to visit Comac in China by October. The Brazilian government’s support for this acquisition is palpable; Minister of Ports and Airports, Silvio Costa Filho, has confirmed the airline’s purchase intentions, despite the absence of a formal purchase plan at this stage. A crucial factor behind Total’s choice of Comac is the global supply chain constraints affecting traditional aircraft manufacturers, which have hindered their ability to deliver new planes promptly.
Financial Backing and Certification Efforts
To facilitate this procurement, the China Development Bank is reportedly offering a financing solution covering 80% of the aircraft’s cost, alongside a favorable loan term of 10 to 12 years. Each C919 is estimated to cost approximately $90 million. Furthermore, Total is actively working on ensuring the C919’s certification in Brazil, although the Brazilian Civil Aviation Authority (ANAC) has yet to receive an official certification application. This step is vital for the C919’s operational clearance within the Brazilian market.
