C919 යානය, තවත් සාර්ථක පියවරක් ඉදිරියට

Two Chinese airlines make maiden passenger flights with new C919 jets

Two homegrown Chinese C919 airliners successfully completed their first passenger flights on Thursday after being delivered to two leading domestic airline operators the previous day, marking a major milestone ahead of the planned commencement of commercial operations in September.

Air China and China Southern Airlines, two of the country's largest carriers, received their first C919 aircraft during a delivery ceremony on Wednesday night in Shanghai. The C919, the country's first domestically-produced large passenger jet, initially entered commercial operations in May 2023, with China Eastern Airlines being the first major operator.

On Thursday morning, the two planes took to the sky successively from Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport and landed at their respective destinations in Guangzhou and Beijing after around two hours of flight, where they were greeted with spectacular water salutes - a traditional honor in the civil aviation sector.

Air China has opted for an extended-range version of the C919, configured with 158 seats, including eight in business class and 150 in economy. China Southern Airlines selected the standard-range model, featuring a three-class layout with 164 seats, including eight in business, 18 in premium economy, and 138 in economy.

A passenger who took China Southern Airlines' maiden C919 flight to the southern city of Guangzhou was enthusiastic about the experience.

"It feels quite comfortable. Sitting in the first C919 [of China Southern Airlines] made the journey feel special. I was very proud to show off my first C919 flight ticket today," he said.

The airline says it is already looking to put the plane into service across multiple major domestic routes in the near future.

"Today, China Southern Airlines welcomed its first C919 aircraft, which will significantly enhance our fleet and expand our route network. The first C919 jets will be operated by the Guangzhou base where the airline is headquartered, serving major routes to cities including Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, and Xi'an. We plan to officially commence commercial operations on the Guangzhou-Shanghai Hongqiao route from September 19 after obtaining the necessary certifications, " said Wu Yingxiang, vice general manager of China Southern Airlines.

So far, the plane's manufacturer, the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC), has delivered nine C919 aircraft to its three customers and is looking ahead to a bright future in the skies.

"COMAC has worked closely with Air China and China Southern Airlines to ensure the smooth delivery and operation of the C919, from aircraft selection and production supervision to personnel training and operational readiness, in preparation for the flight of more C919 aircraft," said Yang Yang, deputy director of COMAC's Marketing Committee.

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