China will showcase its domestic jetliner at the Singapore Airshow. Here's what else to expect

SINGAPORE — China is gearing up to showcase its narrow-body passenger jet to a global audience for the first time at the Singapore Airshow.

Touted as a competitor to Boeing's 737 and the Airbus 320, the Comac C919 is quickly turning out to be one of the most anticipated features at this year's event.

The commercial aircraft was developed by the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China, or Comac, and certified by the Civil Aviation Administration of China in September 2022.

"Flying for the first time at the Singapore Airshow, is the C919, a narrow-body airliner developed by Chinese aircraft manufacturer Comac," Singapore Airshow organizer and manager Experia Events said in a statement.

The air show, held from Feb. 20 to 25 this year, is typically attended by tens of thousands, including military delegations and aviation enthusiasts, and will be open to the public.

Aerospace and aviation industry bellwethers including Airbus, Boeing, Comac and defense contractors such as Lockheed Martin, Dassault, SAAB, Leonardo, Thales are among those participating at this year's event.

"Generally what to look for is a focus on China with the C919 making its international debut. The Singapore Airshow is a fantastic opportunity for Comac particularly given the current situation with Boeing," Brendan Sobie of Sobie Aviation told CNBC.

Sobie noted that this year's air show could be significant as it can be seen as "a symbol of Asia's recovery."

The Singapore Airshow will feature the largest number of foreign flying teams this year, according to organizer Experia. The first edition of the exhibition, one of Asia's biggest aerospace events, was first held in 2008.

The Indian Air Force's Sarang aerial display team, which flies modified helicopters, will