ALBAWABA - China achieved a major milestone as the first domestically manufactured passenger airplane, the C919, embarked on its inaugural commercial flight.
China's first self-developed large passenger jet, the C919, took off on Sunday from Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport, marking its commercial flight debut. The plane, coded as MU9191, will arrive in Beijing after a 2-hour and 25-minute trip. pic.twitter.com/XKOOftsJm1
— People's Daily, China (@PDChina) May 28, 2023
Footage aired by the official television channel, CCTV, showcased the departure of the maiden flight, numbered MU9191, operated by Eastern Airlines.
The airplane took off from Shanghai's Hongqiao Airport, the C919 headed for its destination, Beijing International Airport on Sunday. The company's website confirms the aircraft's capacity to accommodate over 130 passengers.
First COMAC #C919 commercial flight, China Eastern MU9191, took off from Shanghai Hongqiao Intl Airport. pic.twitter.com/8au49e73ye
— ChinaAviationReview (@ChinaAvReview) May 28, 2023
Meanwhile, photos shared by Chinese government media displayed a crowd of passengers gathering at Shanghai Airport in anticipation of boarding the sleek narrow-body aircraft.
China has made substantial investments in local production of the C919, aiming to achieve self-sufficiency in key technological domains. The ultimate goal is to position the C919, competing against renowned Western counterparts such as the Boeing 737 Max and the Airbus A320.
Starting Monday, the C919 will operate flights between Shanghai and the southwestern city of Chengdu, as reported by CCTV.
— Dimsumdaily Hong Kong (@dimsumdaily_hk) May 28, 2023
The inaugural flight of the C919 marks a significant stride for China's aviation industry, demonstrating the country's determination to establish itself as a formidable player in the global arena.
As China continues to enhance its indigenous aircraft manufacturing capabilities, the C919 is poised to compete on both domestic and international routes, providing a compelling alternative to well-established Western aircraft models.
The first commercial flight of home-made C919 narrow-body plane takes off from Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport on Sunday morning. The plane is heading for Beijing Capital International Airport. China expects to reach annual production capacity of 150 C919 planes in five… pic.twitter.com/OhSNErEmt5
— Global Times (@globaltimesnews) May 28, 2023
With the successful completion of its maiden voyage, the C919 ushers in a new era for China's aviation sector, igniting excitement for further advancements in the country's domestic aircraft manufacturing capabilities.
