China Southern Airlines' first C919 jetliner, the country's self-developed large passenger aircraft, completed its maiden commercial flight on Thursday, marking a new milestone for the plane's operation.
The flight CZ3539 departed from the Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport at about 12:00 and arrived at the Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport at about 14:00.
Now all the three largest airlines of China, namely, the China Eastern Airlines, Air China, China Southern Airlines, have started commercial operation of the homegrown aircraft.
China Southern Airlines' first C919 jetliner has a 164-seat three-class layout, consisting of eight business class, 18 pearl economy class and 138 economy class seats.
The Baiyun International Airport terminal has set up several C919-exclusive check-in counters and exclusive flight information display, and arranged special spots for tourists to take photos and a message board for travelers to write their suggestions down.
"Starting from Sept. 21, we will implement a round-trip flight between Guangzhou and Shanghai, and a round-trip flight between Guangzhou and Hangzhou each day with C919. With the successive delivery of the 100 C919 aircraft under the purchase contract we signed with the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China, Ltd. (COMAC), we will gradually increase flight routes of the jetliner," said Yu Jun, an official of China Southern Airlines.
To date, COMAC has delivered nine C919 aircraft to the three leading Chinese airlines.
China Southern and Air China received their first C919 aircraft in Shanghai on Aug. 28.
China Eastern Airlines, the launch customer for the C919, has reported consistent operational performance with seven C919 aircraft since they entered service on May 28, 2023.
China Southern Airlines starts commercial operation of C919 jetliner
Macao has been emerging as a global hub for conventions and exhibitions in recent years by exploring the enormous opportunities in the sector, driving the region to advance its economic diversification and embrace a brighter future.
Macao has received many awards this year, such as the Best Convention City (Asia) and the Best BT-MICE City, showcasing the recognition for and influence of Macao's exhibition industry.
More than 1,000 electronic game enthusiasts from all over the world gathered recently in Macao to participate in a esports themed event.
Su Zhili, organizer of the event, said that Macao's rich experience in hosting large-scale events, coupled with its good infrastructure, has driven him to choose the region as an ideal destination to hold such an activity.
"Macao has held many similar large-scale events. It has rich experience, and the facilities at the venue are relatively mature, so we can start our work comfortably," said Su.
During the first three quarters of 2024, Macao held more than 1,000 conferences and exhibitions in total.
"We will invite more professional, special conferences to be held in Macao and also cultivate more exhibition brands with international influence in Macao, so as to promote Macao's exhibitions to be more market-oriented, professional, international, digital and greener from various aspects. This is our goal," said Elaine Wong, member of the Macao Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute.
In addition, multiple large exhibitions and conferences, such as the Macao International Trade and Investment fair, the Macao Franchise Expo, and the International Infrastructure Investment and Construction Forum, are held regularly in Macao.
With the introduction of a series of policies and measures to facilitate the exchanges between the mainland and Macao, as well as the construction and development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, Macao's convention and exhibition industry will embrace more opportunities for development in the foreseeable future.
"We have such a good industrial base in the Greater Bay Area. The mode of 'Convention and Exhibition + Industry' not only integrates the industries of Macao, but also the industries of the Greater Bay Area. In addition, Macao actively integrates into the national development and plays a role in the Belt and Road. Why are we so confident in Macao's convention and exhibition sector? Because it is backed by the motherland, and the country gives Macao great support," said Alan Ho, chairman of the Macao Association of Convention, Exhibition and Tourism Sectors.
Macao emerges as global hub for conventions and exhibitions, driving economic diversification and international recognition
