In a significant milestone for China’s aviation industry, the domestically developed C919 jetliner successfully landed at Lhasa Gonggar Airport in southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region on Thursday. This marks the aircraft’s first landing in Lhasa, demonstrating its capabilities in high-altitude environments.
The C919, developed by the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC), departed from Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport in southwest China’s Sichuan Province. The flight lasted 2 hours and 8 minutes, culminating in a smooth landing at one of the world’s highest airports.
Located in the Yarlung Tsangpo River Valley at an elevation of 3,569 meters, Lhasa Gonggar Airport presents unique challenges due to its high-altitude conditions. Aircraft operating in such environments must meet stringent performance requirements, making the C919’s successful landing a noteworthy achievement.
Following this initial landing, the C919 will undergo a series of test flights at Lhasa Gonggar Airport. These tests aim to assess the aircraft’s environmental control systems, avionics, and propulsion performance in high-altitude conditions, ensuring it meets all operational requirements for such challenging environments.
The C919’s arrival in Lhasa signifies a major step forward for China’s aviation ambitions, showcasing the jetliner’s adaptability and performance. As COMAC continues testing, the aircraft moves closer to broader deployment across diverse regions, contributing to the development of China’s aerospace industry.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
