AirAsia is “exploring” the COMAC C919, China’s new domestically-made passenger aircraft.

As part of the airline’s move into the mainland Chinese market, AirAsia’s executive chairman, Kamarudin Meranun, said his company is considering a series of other measures, including aircraft orders.

“We are working closely with Huawei to create a digital airline and smart airport to transform the way we fly and have also started exploring the COMAC C919. China has been good to us and we want to give back in a big way,” Kamarudin said.

At present, AirAsia operates an all-Airbus fleet of A320s and A320neos. The single-aisle C919 is China’s rival to the A320 and Boeing 737.