China Southern Airlines successfully begins commercial flights with the C919, marking a major step in China’s aviation industry.
GUANGZHOU, CHINA – China Southern Airlines marked a significant milestone on Thursday with the maiden commercial flight of its domestically produced C919 passenger aircraft. The flight, CZ3539, took off from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport fully loaded with passengers, bound for Shanghai Hongqiao Airport.
This event highlights China’s growing prowess in the aviation industry, as the C919, developed by the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC), enters commercial service with the country’s leading airlines. With the C919 now in operation by China Southern Airlines, all three of China’s major carriers—China Southern, Air China, and China Eastern Airlines—have commenced commercial operations with this aircraft model, underscoring its importance in China’s aviation future.
In April 2023, China Southern Airlines committed to a landmark purchase agreement with COMAC, ordering 100 C919 aircraft to modernize and expand its fleet. This order reflects the airline’s confidence in the domestically produced jet’s capabilities and its potential to compete with global aviation giants.
Since the C919’s first commercial flight in May 2023, the aircraft has continued to demonstrate reliable performance. China Eastern Airlines, the C919’s launch customer, has successfully operated seven of the aircraft, reporting consistent performance and reliability since its debut. Air China and China Southern Airlines also received their first C919 aircraft in late August, joining the ranks of carriers adopting this new generation of passenger jets.
COMAC has delivered a total of nine C919 aircraft to date, cementing the aircraft’s growing role in China’s aviation sector. With ongoing deliveries and rising commercial adoption, the C919 represents a key step in China’s ambition to challenge established aircraft manufacturers and reduce dependence on foreign-produced aircraft.
As the C919 begins to establish a presence in domestic skies, it is poised to play a pivotal role in the future of Chinese aviation, with plans for further expansion and increased production in the coming years.
George is the News Feed Manager, Content Creator, and Social Media Manager at the TravelDailyNews network of online newspapers. At the same time, he is completing his studies in the Department of Business Administration at the Athens University of Economics and Business.