HONG KONG — A Chinese homegrown passenger jet made its debut on scheduled services to Hong Kong on New Year's Day, marking a major milestone for its manufacturer, the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC), who seeks to move beyond the mainland and challenge the long-standing duopoly of the U.S. and European aerospace giants. The C919, known as "dafeiji"—meaning "big" or "great airplane"—is set to reshape regional air travel with its narrow-body construction and advanced capabilities.
On January 1, 2025, China Eastern Airlines inaugurated its service utilizing the C919 for regular flights between Shanghai and Hong Kong. Flight MU721 departed from Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport at 8:21 AM carrying 157 passengers, officially signaling the aircraft's entry onto international flight paths. This flight positions China Eastern Airlines as the first carrier to operate the C919 on scheduled commercial routes to Hong Kong.
The inaugural flight generated excitement among travelers, as passengers eagerly boarded the aircraft, anticipating a full-capacity service. Many travelers expressed confidence not only in the aircraft's reliability but also pride in China's growing capabilities to produce large aircraft. "It feels completely normal for China to produce planes connecting various destinations... Chinese manufacturing is certainly trustworthy," remarked one enthusiastic passenger.
The C919 can accommodate between 158 and 192 passengers, boasting impressive specifications including a maximum range of 5,555 kilometers—about 3,452 miles—which is equivalent to approximately five hours of flight time. This places the C919 squarely within the same category as competitors like the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 Max.
Prior to takeoff, the Shanghai airport hosted a celebratory send-off ceremony attended by key officials from China Eastern Airlines and the Civil Aviation Administration of China, underscoring the importance of the flight and its role in the future of Chinese aviation. Reporters from Hong Kong were on-site to witness the excitement surrounding this historic moment.
The C919 is set for daily round-trip flights on the Shanghai-Hong Kong route, with the return flight scheduled to leave Hong Kong at 12:55 PM and arrive back in Shanghai at 3 PM. This development is particularly significant as it marks the aircraft's first time flying international routes, symbolizing its broader ambitions beyond domestic market confines.
China Eastern Airlines has integrated the C919 across nine cities, and the Shanghai-Hong Kong route enhances accessibility between these two important hubs—Shanghai, known as China’s financial center, and Hong Kong, famed for its vibrant tourism and commerce. The service is anticipated to improve options for both business travelers and tourists alike.
COMAC’s focus on the C919 aligns with China's strategy to increase its presence and competitiveness within the global aviation industry. The company is planning to seek European Union certification for the aircraft by 2025, which is seen as integral to establishing the aircraft’s credibility internationally. CONAC is also establishing regional offices across key locations, including Hong Kong and Singapore, to promote the C919 on the global stage.
This latest service expansion is anticipated to improve tourism as well. With Hong Kong attracting visitors to landmarks like Victoria Harbour and Nan Lian Garden, and Shanghai hosting millions seeking attractions like the Jade Buddha Temple, stronger connectivity presents tremendous opportunities for the tourism industry.
While the launch reflects notable progress, challenges remain—most pressing being the full international acceptance of the C919. Monitoring its performance and efficiency will be key to assessing its viability for broader international use. The strides made with the C919 could alter the competitive dynamics of global aviation, impacting factors like pricing and aircraft development.
Overall, the activation of the Shanghai-Hong Kong route using the C919 is not merely about establishing another flight; it is about reshaping the aviation narrative. This development signifies greater connectivity for travelers, improved air travel options, and the emergence of Chinese technology on the international scene. The takeoff of the C919 onto international routes embodies China’s ambitious aspirations within the aviation sector and hints at its potential role as a major player on the global stage.