China's first C909 airplane hospital marked a historic milestone this week by completing its inaugural onboard eye surgery in Laos on February 10, 2026. The patient is reportedly recovering well, demonstrating the viability of airborne medical operations in Southeast Asia.
The specialized aircraft, developed domestically as part of China's healthcare diplomacy efforts, arrived in Vientiane on February 6. This mission represents the first implementation of the Air Health Silk Road initiative – a modern extension of China's global health cooperation framework.
Medical teams are currently providing free screenings and surgical treatments for ocular and ENT conditions through February 15. The program combines direct patient care with knowledge transfer, including live surgical demonstrations and training sessions for Lao healthcare professionals.
Engineered for versatility, the C909 can accommodate up to 97 passengers and operate from challenging airstrips. Its 3,700-km range and ability to withstand extreme weather conditions make it particularly suited for regional humanitarian missions.
This initiative comes as China strengthens health infrastructure partnerships across Asia, with analysts noting its potential to address rural healthcare access gaps in mountainous regions.
