2023-05-28 07:21:15
China’s first Chinese-designed airliner, the C919, completed its maiden commercial flight on Sunday, a turning point for China’s airline industry that has long sought to compete with its Western rivals.
China Eastern Airlines flight MU9191 landed “smoothly” at Beijing Capital International Airport about 40 minutes early around 12:30 p.m. (6:30 a.m. in Switzerland), according to CCTV.
The plane took off from Shanghai’s Hongqiao Airport on Sunday morning, according to footage from the channel, which said 130 passengers were on board. Footage released by state media showed dozens of passengers gathered at Shanghai airport to admire the clean-lined white aircraft. The latter then boarded the aircraft which, after taxiing on the runway, took off.
Compete with foreign devices
All passengers received red boarding passes and enjoyed a lavish “themed meal” on board to celebrate the event, CCTV said. China, which is seeking to become self-sufficient in the technology sector, has invested heavily in the production of this first Chinese-designed airliner. Beijing hopes that the C919 can compete with the most popular foreign aircraft like the Boeing 737 MAX and the Airbus A320.
The C919 will be mobilized from Monday for regular routes operated by China Eastern Airlines to connect Shanghai to Chengdu (south), reported CCTV. The first model of this narrow-body aircraft that can carry 164 passengers was officially delivered to the Chinese airline in December 2022.
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