China's self-developed large passenger aircraft C919 has so far been entrusted with five regular routes by China Eastern Airlines after the company received a total of seven jetliners.
As the first customer for China's C919 aircraft, China Eastern Airlines has launched five regular commercial routes, including Shanghai-Chengdu, Beijing-Shanghai, and Beijing-Xi'an flights.
With Air China and China Southern Airlines receive their first C919 aircraft, more C919 routes are expected to be set up, covering multiple cities across the country.
"The first batch of C919 aircraft will be operated by the Guangzhou headquarters base, covering markets such as Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, and Xi'an. After obtaining official commercial flight certification, the Guangzhou to Shanghai Hongqiao route is planned to officially launch on September 19," said Wu Yingxiang, deputy general manager, China Southern Airlines Co., Ltd.
Developed by the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC), the first C919 aircraft rolled off the production line in Shanghai in November 2015. The plane conducted a successful maiden flight in 2017.
On May 28, 2023, the large passenger aircraft C919 completed its first commercial flight from Shanghai to Beijing, marking its official entry into the civil aviation market.
At present, in order to meet market demand, the C919 manufacturing team has continuously optimized production processes to improve efficiency. Purchasing a C919 is similar to buying a car, with customizable options such as different seating layouts and interior styles to meet various travel needs.
After C919 was put into commercial operation, many passengers are specifically buying tickets to experience China's domestically produced aircraft.
"I bought an Eastern Airlines ticket specifically for this flight. My home is in Guangdong, but this time, in order to experience the C919, I flew from Guangzhou to Shanghai, and then from Shanghai to Beijing," said a passenger.
Many passengers shared their flying experience with C919 as they thought that the airplane is comfortable, and they are proud of the homemade jetliner.
"Once seated, it felt quite good; and it was really comfortable sitting inside and the space was fairly roomy," said a passenger.
"I feel very proud to ride on a domestically produced large aircraft," said another passenger.
China's homegrown C919 entrusted with five regular routes by domestic airline
China's homegrown C919 entrusted with five regular routes by domestic airline
China's homegrown C919 entrusted with five regular routes by domestic airline
China's homegrown C919 entrusted with five regular routes by domestic airline
