This is a major first for the Chinese airline industry. The first Chinese-designed airliner, the C919, completed its maiden commercial flight on Sunday. Beijing hopes that the C919 can compete with the most popular foreign aircraft like the Boeing 737 MAX and the Airbus A320. “In the future, most passengers will be able to choose to travel on board large aircraft of national design,” described the state television channel CCTV.
China Eastern Airlines flight MU9191 landed “smoothly” at Beijing Capital International Airport about 40 minutes early around 12:30 p.m. local time, according to CCTV. The flight “was extremely smooth, comfortable and memorable. I think I will remember it for a long time,” a passenger on board the plane told CCTV after landing.
Regular trips from Monday
China, which is seeking to become self-sufficient in the technology sector, has invested heavily in the production of this first Chinese-designed airliner. The aircraft is built by the state company Comac, but many parts of the machine come from other countries.
The C919 will be mobilized from Monday for regular routes operated by China Eastern Airlines to connect Shanghai to Chengdu (south), reported CCTV. Zhang Yujin, deputy general manager of Comac, told the media in January ThePaper, supported by the power, that the company had registered more than 1,200 orders for its device. The state manufacturer planned to increase its annual production capacity to 150 models within five years, Zhang Yujin said at the time.