China’s homegrown C919 jetliner has marked a significant milestone by completing its first overseas commercial chartered flight, connecting Shanghai and Hong Kong. Operated by China Eastern Airlines (CEA), the flight carried over 100 young talents from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to Shanghai on Saturday morning.
The flight departed from Hong Kong International Airport and landed at Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport, symbolizing a new chapter in China’s aviation industry. The C919’s introduction into international service demonstrates China’s ambition to become a key player in the global civil aviation market, which has been traditionally dominated by industry giants Boeing and Airbus.
The sixth C919 jetliner was delivered to the CEA fleet earlier this week, indicating a rapid acceleration in the commercial deployment of China’s domestically developed large passenger aircraft. This event comes one year after the inaugural commercial flight of the C919, highlighting the progress made in the country’s aviation capabilities.
The C919 is a product of China’s efforts to innovate and develop its own aviation technology. With the successful operation of the C919 on international routes, China aims to provide competitive alternatives in the global aviation industry. The jetliner’s performance on this route showcases its reliability and the potential to serve international markets.
The passengers on this historic flight were young professionals from Hong Kong, reflecting the growing ties and exchanges between Hong Kong and the Chinese mainland. The C919’s service on this route is expected to enhance connectivity and promote economic and cultural exchanges within the region.
The advancement of the C919 program signifies a strategic move for China to increase its presence in the global aviation sector. By introducing domestically developed aircraft into international service, China is positioning itself to meet the increasing demand for air travel and to compete on a global scale.
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China's C919 serves first overseas commercial chartered flight
cgtn.com
