A C909 aircraft completed its first commercial flight in Laos on Saturday, marking another step in China's efforts to introduce more domestically developed planes into the markets of Belt and Road partner countries.
The aircraft, which was delivered to the Lao Airlines on March 30, took off from Vientiane's Wattay International Airport and landed at the Pakse International Airport at 11:17 local time.
"The flight marks the official entry of Chinese jetliners into the Lao aviation market, an important step towards the internationalization of our commercial aircraft. Following the aircraft's first commercial flight, COMAC will make every effort to provide satisfactory customer services and operational supports as well as serve the construction of Belt and Road countries," said Yue Yunfeng, deputy general manager of the marketing center of the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China, Ltd., the developer of C909.
With a range of 2,225 to 3,700 km, the aircraft is suitable for most domestic routes in Laos as well as regional international flights.
So far, a total of 162 units of C909 aircraft have been delivered to more than ten domestic and international customers, with the jetliners cumulatively operating on 688 routes and serving 159 cities globally.
China's homegrown jetliner completes first commercial flight in Laos
