China's homegrown C919 jetliner sees surging orders while expanding regular routes

One year after its first commercial flight, China's self-developed large passenger aircraft, C919, has experienced a surge in orders as it is expanding regular routes.

China's domestically developed C919 passenger jet took off at 10:32 on May 28, 2023 at the Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport with some 130 passengers on board.

The 2.25-meter-high cabin aisle is spacious and comfortable for passengers, providing ample visual field ahead of them.

The plane received a water salute after touching down at the Beijing Capital International Airport at 12:31 on May 28, 2023.

Since the second day after its successful maiden commercial flight, the C919 has commenced regular commercial operations between the Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport and the Chengdu Tianfu International Airport on May 29, 2023. Over the following six months, the second, third, and fourth C919 aircraft have been delivered and put into service.

The C919 commenced operation on a new route connecting the megacities of Beijing and Shanghai on January 9 this year. This marks the second regular route for the C919, following the previously launched Shanghai Hongqiao-Chengdu Tianfu route.

Chinese passenger jet C919 debuted in a flight demonstration at the Singapore Airshow in February this year.

On March 2 this year, the fifth C919 aircraft was delivered and put into service, marking the completion of China Eastern Airlines' initial batch of orders.

The flight MU2152, operated by China Eastern Airlines, took off from the Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport at around 08:40 on March 8 and departed for the Xi'an Xianyang International Airport, marking the launch of the third regular route for the C919.

The sixth C919 jetliner joined the China Eastern Airlines fleet on Tuesday, indicating the acceleration of commercial operation of China's homegrown large passenger aircraft.

This came one year after the first commercial flight of C919 was made.

The aircraft, delivered to China Eastern on Monday, landed at the Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport on Tuesday morning after a short flight from Shanghai Pudong International Airport.

As of May 27, China Eastern Airlines' C919 fleet has completed 2,181 commercial flight trips, accumulating 6,090 safe flight hours and transporting more than 276,000 passengers.

More than 1,000 orders have been placed worldwide for the jet so far, according to the manufacturer, Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC).

China's homegrown C919 jetliner sees surging orders while expanding regular routes

On his second official visit to China, Prime Minister of the Republic of Vanuatu Charlot Salwai expressed admiration for China's remarkable ability to balance preserving its cultural heritage with embracing innovative transformation.

Salwai paid an official visit to China from July 7 to 12. During his trip, he toured the southern province of Guangdong and explored the megacities of Beijing and Shanghai. His visit included tours of high-tech companies, a ride on a high-speed train, and a performance of traditional Cantonese opera.

In an interview with China Central Television Network (CCTV) aired on Friday, Salwai recounted his journey starting with a warm welcome that included enjoying Beijing Roast Duck, also known as Peking Duck -- a culinary delight introduced to him by the Chinese ambassador in Vanuatu.

"Many had to say. Peking Duck. Because we had it here on our arrival, so it was very tasty. And I understand that the Chinese ambassador in Vanuatu brought us to one of the traditional restaurants, small but beautiful," he said. The prime minister sees China's preservation of its culture as a vital lesson in understanding one's roots and the journey to the present day, acknowledging China's efforts to integrate cultural preservation with modernization.

"It's going to be my second official visit to China. I'm always impressed to see big changes and especially innovations made by China and especially the cities. Because a big impression is to see how China continues to maintain and keep its culture. Because I think it's the basis of everything -- to know where you come from and to understand where we are today. I feel that China is doing a lot to maintain its culture, but at the same time, doing, innovating to transform its culture,” Salwai said.

He also emphasized the importance of learning from China's sustainable development strategies.

"Today, it comes from a long way, some hardship, the government, and also the people of China. So, I'm impressed to see what is done, especially how China associates infrastructure development with nature. That's meant to keep, continue to keep the environment. It takes effort with the climate change by maintaining the ecosystem. I think it's something that, for a small country like Vanuatu, is important to learn. So, we are here. I'm here with my delegation to learn," Salwai said.

Vanuatu's PM commends China's cultural preservation, innovation amid fast growth