China's home-made C919 enters new operation phase as two leading airlines take delivery

Air China and China Southern Airlines received their first C919 aircraft in Shanghai on Wednesday, marking a pivotal moment that the country's first domestically produced large passenger aircraft enters a new phase of multi-operator deployment.

Air China has opted for an extended-range version of the C919, configured with 158 seats across two classes: 8 in business and 150 in economy. China Southern Airlines selected the standard-range model, featuring a three-class layout with 164 seats, including 8 in business, 18 in premium economy, and 138 in economy.

Both types are equipped with tailored cabin configurations, including personalized seating and comprehensive in-seat power options, reflecting a focus on passenger comfort and operational flexibility.

The delivery was completed at the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) final assembly facility in Shanghai's Pudong district.

At the delivery ceremony, COMAC presented sales certificates and commemorative delivery keys to both airlines, symbolizing the official transfer of the aircraft.

The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) also issued necessary documentation, including nationality registration, airworthiness certificates, and radio station licenses, ensuring regulatory compliance for both carriers.

Air China's relevant pilots, flight attendants and ground teams have completed trainings on commercial operation of C919 to ensure the safety and comfort of passengers. Its maintenance personnel have also completed relevant trainings.

Before the Wednesday delivery, China Southern Airlines' pilots and flight attendants carried out a trial flight with the C919 aircraft.

"The trial flight went smoothly. We can see the C919 aircraft's cockpit is spacious and well-lighted, with advanced instrument panel and equipment. And it's most prominent in that it provides great control experience," said Cui Wei, captain of pilot team with China Southern Airlines.

To date, COMAC has delivered nine C919 aircraft to different customers. China Eastern Airlines, the first customer of C919, has reported consistent operational performance since the aircraft began to serve it 15 months ago, covering five regular routes with over 3,600 commercial flights, underscoring the aircraft's growing role in the domestic aviation market.

The C919 trunk jetliner is poised to have a promising market outlook due to its adaptability, advanced technology and performance capabilities, combined with China's vast civil aviation market. The COMAC, meanwhile, continues to optimize and upgrade the aircraft.

China has a massive civil aviation market with great potential. According to a market forecast released by the COMAC in late 2022, over the 2022-2041 period, China's civil aviation market will receive 9,284 new passenger jets, including 6,288 single-aisle jetliners.

By 2041, China is expected to become the world's largest single-country civil aviation market, according to the forecast.

China's home-made C919 enters new operation phase as two leading airlines take delivery

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store, in an interview with China Media Group (CMG), elaborated on why he called his country "an insider on the outside" of the European Union (EU).

Store was speaking with the CMG on a high-speed train from Beijing to Shanghai on Tuesday, part of his three-day official visit to China.

"We've had two referendums about joining the European Union and both ended up 52 to 48 against and that we have to respect. But you know, most of our trade is with the European Union. So it's in my interest to have a good relationship, a trusted relationship, and in that sense, to be on the inside. And then, beyond this market, you know, these are our neighbors, Nordic neighbors - Sweden, Finland and Denmark. These are our European partners. So on a number of other issues linked to security and research and all the other issues beyond trade, these are our closest friends. So that's why I say, you know, I'm very much on the inside, although I'm a member from the outside," he said.

Norway, as a member state of the European Economic Area, was the EU's sixth most important partner for trade in goods in 2023, with exports to the bloc reaching 119.2 billion euros and imports amounting to 61.7 billion euros.

Norway is the biggest exporter of fish and aquaculture products to the EU.

Norwegian PM elaborates on partnership with EU