Staff from pilot to fight attendants at the state-owned carrier Air China have undergone intense training to ensure the smooth travel of company's first C919 aircraft, China's homegrown large passenger plane, before it completed the maiden flight and landed in Beijing on Thursday morning. Wang Yan is the captain of Air China's C919 fleet. He said the training for pilots began two months ago at the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC),the manufacturer of C919, to help them prepare for the flight. The training required pilots to fly at least seven hours a day, followed by an hour of circuit training.
According to Wang, ten experienced pilots working for Air China's C919 fleet received the special training at COMAC before getting flying certificate. "The training started on May 28. We completed the finial test on July 28. We acquired the endorsement for the C919 after this two-month training," said Wang.
Wang explained why they needed to receive the hard training and underscored the importance of the training as it would ensure the safety of passengers on board.
"I think the main reason for us to train so hard is the sense of responsibility. That's because the C919 is our homegrown aircraft, and China's national flag is on Air China's plane. Safety is the top priority for us when operating the C919," said Wang.
Not just pilots, other cabin crew also shares Wang's commitment. Two months ago, 40 flight attendants from the company received specialized training at COMAC.
"Through comprehensive and systematic training, we have learned carefully about the characteristics of this type of aircraft. We've also trained in how to operate the hatch, the emergency equipment and other practices related to cabin safety," said Cui Ying, chief purser at Air China.
The maintenance engineers were also busy preparing for this flight. Beginning in April, they underwent the engine run-up maintenance training, landing gear system maintenance training and more at COMAC.
COMAC delivered the C919 aircraft to two major domestic airlines Air China and China Southern Airlines in Shanghai on Wednesday. To date, COMAC has delivered nine C919 aircraft to different customers in China.
It has worked closely with Chinese carriers including Air China and China Southern Airlines to ensure the smooth delivery and operation of the C919, from aircraft selection and production supervision to personnel training and operational readiness, in preparation for the flight of more C919 aircraft.
Staff at Air China contributes to smooth operation of company's first C919 aircraft
