China's self-developed C909 passenger jet began commercial operation in Vietnam on Saturday, further expanding its presence in Southeast Asia, according to the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC).
Two C909 aircraft, wet leased by Chengdu Airlines to Vietnam's Vietjet Air, began service on Saturday on the Hanoi-Con Dao-Ho Chi Minh City route, the aircraft maker said.
"The C909 aircraft is of good high-temperature properties and capable of taking off from and landing on short and narrow runways, well adapted to Vietnam's operating environment. Vietjet Air's wet leasing of two C909 aircraft will further enhance its fleet's transport capacity and enrich its regional route network," said Yue Yunfeng, deputy general manager of the marketing center of the COMAC.
Wet leasing is a common global aircraft leasing model in which the lessor provides not only the aircraft but also crew, maintenance, insurance, and operational support.
"Chengdu Airlines, as the lessor, has set up a special team in Hanoi, Vietnam to advance the preparatory work," said Tang Jin, chairman of Chengdu Airlines.
Vietjet, Vietnam's first private airline, is a major operator in domestic and Asia-Pacific regional routes. Industry insiders believe that the addition of the C909 jets is expected to boost its fleet capacity and support the development of Vietnam's aviation market.
Formerly known as ARJ21, the C909 is a China-developed regional jetliner with a range of 2,225 to 3,700 km.
In December 2022, this model was delivered to its first overseas client TransNusa, an Indonesian airline. In March this year, COMAC delivered another aircraft to Lao Airlines. Vietjet is the third overseas operator of the aircraft.
To date, the three overseas airlines have collectively launched 15 routes using C909 in Southeast Asia, transporting over 250,000 passengers.
China's C909 begins commercial service in Vietnam
A welcoming ceremony for two Chinese giant pandas was held on Wednesday at Vienna's Schoenbrunn Zoo, one of the world's oldest zoos, marking the official start of their decade-long stay in Austria for scientific research and as ambassadors of friendship.
The pandas, male He Feng and female Lan Yun, arrived in Austria on April 23.
Addressing the welcoming ceremony, Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen highlighted that giant pandas are a symbol of the strong friendship between Austria and China.
"Cooperations like these create trust. They bring nations closer together. We shouldn't underestimate the impact of these seemingly small occasions, despite all the differences that may exist. And the giant pandas are a symbol of the Chinese-Austrian [partnership]," said the president.
Li Hongzhong, vice chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, who led a delegation to Austria from Sunday to Wednesday, also attended the welcoming ceremony.
"Like ambassadors, they will become mascots of friendship between the two countries and their peoples. The giant panda is a national treasure of China, a jewel in the diversity of the earth's species and a precious treasure of ecological civilization," Li said.
As part of the ceremony, the Schoenbrunn Zoo staged a traditional Chinese lion dance performance to celebrate the pandas' arrival, to the cheers of visitors. Among the crowds were dozens of local school children holding signs reading "warmly welcome" to demonstrate their love for the Chinese giant panda.
"It's a very nice moment today to welcome the bears in Austria in Tiergarten Schoenbrunn," said Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker in an interview with the China Global Television Network.
The panda pair's arrival marks the latest 10-year round of the scientific collaboration between China and Austria on giant panda conservation, which started in 2003.
The past years of cooperation saw the birth of five panda cubs in Austria, a record for Europe on breeding, alongside achievements made in disease control, staff training and public education.
Panda pair debuts at Vienna's Schoenbrunn Zoo, receiving warm welcome
