Aircraft
Comac’s C919 Airliner Enters Revenue Service
The first China Eastern Airlines C919 narrowbody airliner entered service on May 28 with a flight from Shanghai to Beijing.
The first C919 takes off from Shanghai
The first Comac C919 takes off from Shanghai on May 28, 2023. (Photo: Comac)

Following 16 years of development and six years of rigorous flight testing, China’s first narrowbody jet, the C919, entered commercial service on May 28, marking the beginning of a new era for China’s aerospace industry.

Operated by launch customer China Eastern Airlines, flight MU9191, carrying some 130 passengers, departed Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport at 10:33 a.m. local time and arrived at Beijing Capital International Airport at 12:31 p.m. to a water cannon salute. Regular C919 service between Shanghai and Chengdu Tianfu International Airport commenced on May 29. Both Boeing and Airbus congratulated Comac on the milestone via social media.