Air China’s first C919 aircraft successfully completed its maiden commercial flight on September 10, 2024. The CA1523 flight took off from Beijing Capital International Airport at 11:06 a.m. and landed at Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport at 1:00 p.m., marking a significant milestone in the commercial operations of this domestically developed aircraft.
This flight signifies the official entry of Air China into the commercial operations of the C919, a narrow-body jet airliner designed and manufactured by the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC).
The C919 is equipped with an extended range version that boasts a larger maximum take-off weight and increased engine thrust compared to standard models, making it more suitable for longer-range flights.
Air China plans to operate four daily flights with the C919, including a round trip between Beijing and Shanghai, as well as a route between Beijing and Hangzhou. The airline received its first C919 aircraft on August 28, 2024, during a joint ceremony with China Southern Airlines, which is set to launch its inaugural C919 flight on September 19.
Since beginning commercial operations on May 28, 2023, the C919 has logged over 10,000 flight hours, completed more than 3,700 flights, and transported over 500,000 passengers. The first C919 large passenger aircraft was delivered to China Eastern Airlines on December 9, 2022, and the airline has since expanded its C919 fleet to seven aircraft, operating five regular routes.
Air China’s C919 features a cabin layout with eight business class seats and 150 economy class seats, providing a spacious and comfortable travel experience. Each seat is equipped with amenities such as adjustable headrests, high-speed USB charging ports, and mobile device stands.
The introduction of the C919 to Air China’s fleet comes as the airline reported revenues of approximately $11.1 billion for the first half of 2024, reflecting a 33% year-over-year increase, despite net losses of $493 million during the same period.
Air China has ordered a total of 100 C919 aircraft, with deliveries scheduled through 2031.