China’s first domestically produced passenger jet made its maiden commercial flight on Sunday, marking a significant milestone in the country’s long-term effort to rival Western competitors in the aviation industry.
Beijing aims for the C919 commercial jetliner to compete with foreign models such as the Boeing 737 MAX and the Airbus A320, despite the fact that many of its components are imported.
The introduction of China’s first jetliner with mass commercial potential is also intended to reduce the country’s dependence on foreign technology amid deteriorating relations with the West.
China Eastern Airlines flight MU9191 took off from Shanghai Hongqiao Airport on Sunday morning, as shown in footage from state broadcaster CCTV. The aircraft, which accommodates over 130 passengers, was celebrated with red boarding passes and a special “themed meal,” according to CCTV.
The Chinese government has heavily invested in the development of this homegrown jet as part of its broader strategy to achieve self-sufficiency in key technologies.
Manufactured by the state-owned Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC), the C919 includes many parts, including its engines, sourced from overseas suppliers.
Starting Monday, the C919 will operate on China Eastern’s regular route between Shanghai and the southwestern city of Chengdu, CCTV reported.
The first model of this narrow-body jet, which can seat 164 passengers, was officially handed over to China Eastern last year during a ceremony in Shanghai, which state media described as “an important milestone” for the country’s aircraft industry.
In January, Zhang Yujin, deputy general manager of COMAC, informed the state-backed Shanghai outlet The Paper that the company had received approximately 1,200 orders for the C919.
Zhang also mentioned that COMAC planned to increase its annual production capacity to 150 units within five years.
Asia, and particularly China, are key markets for both Airbus and Boeing, which are aiming to meet the growing demand for air travel from China’s expanding middle class.
Last month, Airbus announced it would double its production capacity in China by signing a deal to build a second final assembly line for the A320 in Tianjin.
The first assembly line, which opened in 2008 in the northern city, produces four A320s per month, with plans to increase this to six per month by the end of the year.
