28-5-2023 (SHANGHAI) – China achieved a significant milestone in its aviation industry as the C919, the nation’s first domestically produced passenger jet, embarked on its maiden commercial flight on Sunday (May 28). This event marks a crucial moment in China’s decades-long pursuit to compete with Western rivals in the aviation sector.
With the launch of the C919 commercial jetliner, Beijing aims to challenge established foreign models such as the Boeing 737 MAX and the Airbus A320. However, it is important to note that many of the aircraft’s components are sourced from overseas.
The successful development of a homegrown jetliner with mass commercial potential will reduce China’s reliance on foreign technology, particularly as tensions with Western countries continue to escalate.
According to state broadcaster CCTV, “In the future, most passengers will be able to choose to travel by large, domestically produced aircraft.”
China Eastern Airlines flight MU9191 gracefully ascended into the sky above Shanghai Hongqiao Airport on Sunday morning, as captured in footage by CCTV. The aircraft is scheduled to land in Beijing later in the afternoon, carrying more than 130 passengers, as reported by CCTV.
State media broadcasts showcased dozens of passengers gathering at the sunlit Shanghai airfield, admiring the sleek white jet. They subsequently boarded the narrow-body plane, which taxied on the runway before taking off.
To commemorate this significant flight, passengers received red boarding passes and were treated to a sumptuous “themed meal,” as reported by CCTV.
China has made substantial investments in developing its own aircraft, aiming to achieve self-sufficiency in key technologies. Beijing is optimistic that the C919 will effectively challenge popular foreign models like the Boeing 737 MAX and the Airbus A320.
The C919 is manufactured by the state-owned Commercial Aviation Corp of China (COMAC). However, it is worth noting that many of its components, including the engines, are sourced from overseas.
Starting from Monday, the C919 will commence regular operations on China Eastern’s route between Shanghai and the southwestern city of Chengdu, as reported by CCTV.
The inaugural model of this narrow-body jet, which can accommodate 164 passengers, was officially handed over to China Eastern last year during a ceremony at a Shanghai airport. Chinese state media hailed this event as “an important milestone” for the country’s aviation industry.
Zhang Yujin, COMAC’s deputy general manager, revealed in an interview with state-backed Shanghai outlet The Paper in January that the company has received over 1,200 orders for the C919. Zhang also outlined COMAC’s plan to increase annual production capacity to 150 models within the next five years.
Asia, and China in particular, are significant targets for major aircraft manufacturers such as Airbus and Boeing. These companies aim to capitalize on the growing demand for air travel from China’s expansive middle class.
Last month, Airbus announced its plans to double its production capacity in China, signing a deal to establish a second final assembly line for the A320 in Tianjin. The existing assembly site in the northern city, operational since 2008, currently produces four A320s per month. Airbus aims to increase production to six aircraft per month by the end of this year.
