China Eastern Airlines marked a significant milestone as it successfully launched its first passenger flight with the COMAC C919 aircraft, China’s first domestically produced larger passenger jet. The news comes five months after the Chinese aircraft manufacturer COMAC delivered its first passenger C919 to China Eastern, the type’s launch customer.
Historical flight
China Eastern commemorated the occasion with a grand opening ceremony prior to the C919’s inaugural flight. Following the ceremony, China Eastern’s maiden C919 passenger flight MU9191 took to the skies from Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) and touched down at Beijing Capital Airport (PEK), carrying more than 130 passengers.
The C919’s (registration B-919A) inaugural commercial flight lasted under three hours, culminating in a water salute upon its arrival at PEK airport. The aircraft is scheduled to return to SHA Airport in the afternoon.
In March 2021, China Eastern Airlines officially placed a firm order for five C919 aircraft from COMAC. The delivery of the first C919 took place in December 2022, and it is anticipated that four more will be delivered by the end of 2023.
