In a momentous occasion in the world of aviation, China’s domestically built large passenger aircraft, the C919, has taken a significant step forward as Air China and China Southern Airlines, two of China’s leading airlines, have welcomed their first C919 planes. This celebratory event, held in Shanghai, marked the beginning of a new era of multi-user operations for the C919 jet, signaling its broader adoption within the Chinese aviation market.
Following over a year of successful service with China Eastern Airlines, the first global operator of the C919, the introduction of these aircraft into the fleets of Air China and China Southern Airlines signifies the growing confidence in China’s homegrown passenger jet. Aviation experts in China view these deliveries as a pivotal moment for the C919, positioning it to capture a larger share of the domestic aviation market.
The handover ceremony, held at the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) hangar in Shanghai, was a grand affair, drawing attendees from across the country. As the hangar doors opened, the first Air China C919, proudly displaying China’s Five-Star Red Flag, and the first China Southern Airlines C919, adorned with red kapok flowers, were unveiled. These aircraft are now set to expand their operations across multiple carriers, enhancing the reach of the C919 in both domestic and international markets.
To date, nine C919 aircraft have been delivered to customers. China Eastern Airlines, the inaugural operator, has seen seamless performance from its fleet, which has completed over 3,600 commercial flights and accumulated 10,000 flight hours since its first commercial journey. The successful integration of the C919 into China Eastern’s operations demonstrates the aircraft’s readiness for broader commercial use.
Market analysts, including Lin Zhijie, highlight that while the past year served as a trial period for the C919, these latest deliveries mark its transition into full-scale commercial operations, poised to make a significant impact on China’s aviation industry. Following the deliveries, Boeing’s vice president of commercial marketing, Darren Hulst, acknowledged the growing competition in the market, noting that the expansive aviation sector has room for multiple players.
The C919, developed to meet international aviation standards and backed by independent intellectual property rights, represents China’s challenge to the global aviation duopoly of Boeing and Airbus. The aircraft has already made its mark, operating key routes such as Shanghai to Beijing, playing a critical role during the Chinese Lunar New Year travel rush, and making a notable debut at the Singapore Airshow.
China Eastern Airlines, as the first global customer, continues to expand its C919 fleet, which now includes seven aircraft. These planes have collectively completed over 3,000 flights and served more than 400,000 passengers, showcasing the aircraft’s growing role in China’s aviation landscape.
Wang Ya’nan, chief editor of Aerospace Knowledge magazine, believes that it was only a matter of time before major airlines like Air China and China Southern Airlines adopted the C919. He expects that these recent deliveries will accelerate the aircraft’s penetration into the market, further solidifying its position. Both Air China and China Southern Airlines have made significant commitments to the C919, with orders for 100 aircraft each, scheduled for delivery between 2024 and 2031. China Eastern has also expanded its commitment, ordering an additional 100 C919s beyond its initial five.
Looking ahead, the C919’s prospects in the international market are also brightening. Chinese civil aviation authorities are optimistic about securing EU certification for the aircraft by 2025, following a recent inspection by European regulators. Li Yuan, an independent market observer, emphasized the importance of promoting the C919 on a global scale. He stressed that COMAC must not only sell the aircraft but also provide comprehensive support throughout its life cycle, ensuring robust and responsive services to meet international standards.
