On September 10, 2024, Air China made history with the maiden commercial flight of its first C919 aircraft, a momentous occasion for the airline and China’s aviation industry. Flight CA1523, carrying the registration B-919X, successfully landed at Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) after departing from Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK). This landmark flight marked the official introduction of the C919 into commercial operations, just 13 days after Air China received the aircraft.
The C919’s entry into service coincides with the delivery of the first C919 jets to both Air China and China Southern Airlines from the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) on August 28. To commemorate the occasion, Air China hosted a special maiden flight ceremony at Beijing Capital International Airport. The event drew notable attendees, including executives from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), Air China, and the Capital Airports Holding Company. Adding a celebratory touch, Chinese Olympic champions Quan Hongchan, a star diver, and gymnast Liu Yang, both gold medalists from the Paris Olympics, graced the occasion with their presence.
Earlier this year, Air China made headlines with its order for 100 extended-range C919 aircraft from COMAC, each valued at $108 million. The delivery schedule for these planes aligns with those of China Eastern Airlines and China Southern Airlines, spanning from 2024 to 2031. Air China is set to receive 5 aircraft in 2024, followed by 10 each year from 2025 to 2027, 15 per year from 2028 to 2030, and 20 in 2031. Notably, Air China has opted for the extended-range version, which boasts a higher maximum takeoff weight and increased range, offering greater flexibility for long-haul flights.
COMAC’s official specifications highlight the extended-range C919’s impressive capabilities, with a maximum takeoff weight of 78.9 tons, 3.8 tons more than the standard model. The aircraft can travel a maximum distance of 5,555 kilometers, a 36% increase over the standard version’s range of 4,075 kilometers. Air China’s C919 aircraft is configured with 8 business class and 150 economy class seats, providing a spacious and comfortable experience for passengers. In comparison, China Southern Airlines’ C919 features a three-class configuration with 164 seats, while China Eastern’s C919 fleet, comprising seven aircraft, includes a two-class layout with 164 seats.
Air China’s C919 also comes equipped with modern conveniences, such as adjustable headrests, fast-charging USB-C and USB-A ports, overhead reading lights, and mobile device stands, ensuring passengers a comfortable and enjoyable flight experience.
This marks a significant step in Air China’s integration of domestically produced commercial aircraft, reinforcing its commitment to innovation and excellence in aviation. As announced by Air China, beginning September 11, the airline’s C919 will be deployed on two routes: Beijing Capital to Shanghai Hongqiao and Beijing Capital to Hangzhou. The detailed schedules for these routes are as follows:
*
Flight Number:
CA1507,Route:
Beijing Capital – Shanghai Hongqiao,Time:
7:30–10:00*
Flight Number:
CA1508,Route:
Shanghai Hongqiao – Beijing Capital,Time:
11:25–13:40*
Flight Number:
CA1722,Route:
Beijing Capital – Hangzhou Xiaoshan,Time:
16:35–18:45*
Flight Number:
CA1727,Route:
Hangzhou Xiaoshan – Beijing Capital,Time:
20:00–22:20Air China is set to expand its C919 fleet, with the airline expecting to take delivery of its second and third C919 aircraft in October and December, respectively. These additional aircraft will enable Air China to further enhance its route offerings, with future plans to introduce the C919 on flights to Chengdu. This strategic expansion marks Air China’s commitment to integrating the domestically-produced C919 into more of its key routes, offering passengers a modern and efficient travel experience across China.
