China's domestically developed C919 large passenger aircraft has officially begun regular international commercial operations, with its inaugural flight departing from Beijing for Ulaanbaatar on Wednesday afternoon.
Air China's CA723 took off from Beijing Capital International Airport at 15:00 local time. Upon arrival in the capital of Mongolia, the aircraft received a water cannon salute, the highest ceremonial honor in civil aviation.
So far, the C919 has served 58 routes linking 26 cities and has handled more than 7.5 million passenger trips, official data showed.
The aircraft has also been featured at major international airshows, including two editions of the Singapore Airshow and one in Dubai.
China's homegrown C919 passenger jet begins first international commercial flight
China's homegrown C919 passenger jet begins first international commercial flight
China's homegrown C919 passenger jet begins first international commercial flight
China's homegrown C919 large passenger aircraft landed safely at the new Ulan Bator airport in Mongolia on Wednesday afternoon, marking the completion of the jet's first scheduled international commercial passenger flight since its entered service in 2023.
The plane departed from Beijing Capital International Airport and landed at the airport in the Mongolian capital at 16:58. A grand water salute ceremony was held to welcome the aircraft's landing.
This is the first international route opened after C919 entered commercial operation, marking the official transition of China's domestically developed mainline passenger aircraft into a new phase of regular international operations.
As China's first domestically developed large passenger jet for civilian use, C919 had served 57 routes linking 25 Chinese cities and had handled more than 7.5 million passenger trips as of Monday, official data showed. It has gained widespread market recognition due to its reliable flight performance, comfortable cabin experience, and stable safety standards.
The operation of this flight on the China-Mongolia international route demonstrates that C919 has successfully passed the verification of bilateral international civil aviation operating standards, thereby officially acquiring the qualification for regular international commercial passenger operations.
According to available information, the international route is operated under flight numbers CA723/CA724, with daily scheduled flights as a regular service.
China's homegrown C919 aircraft completes 1st int'l commercial flight, lands in Mongolian capital
