Thursday, August 29, 2024 Air China and China Southern Airlines have taken a major step forward in China’s aviation industry by welcoming their first domestically built large passenger aircraft, the C919 , in a celebratory event in Shanghai. This significant milestone marks the beginning of a new era of multi-user operations for the C919 jet. Following over a year of successful service with China Eastern Airlines , the first global operator of the C919 , the introduction of these aircraft into the fleets of Air China and China Southern Airlines signals the broader adoption of China’s homegrown passenger jet.
Aviation experts in China view these deliveries as a pivotal moment for the C919 , positioning it to capture a larger share of the domestic aviation market. The handover ceremony, held at the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) hangar in Shanghai, was a grand affair, drawing attendees from across the country. As the hangar doors opened, the first Air China C919 , proudly displaying China’s Five-Star Red Flag , and the first China Southern Airlines C919 , adorned with red kapok flowers, were unveiled.
These aircraft are now set to expand their operations across multiple carriers, enhancing the reach of the C919 in both domestic and international markets. To date, nine C919 aircraft have been delivered to customers. China Eastern Airlines , the inaugural operator, has seen seamless performance from its fleet, which has completed over 3,600 commercial flig.