China’s domestically developed C919 narrowbody airliner is set to take its first international flight with China Eastern Airlines launching a daily return service between Shanghai and Hong Kong starting 1 January 2025. This marks the C919’s debut on a cross-border route, expanding its reach beyond mainland China.
The airline is preparing its 10th C919, which will sport a new livery for the inaugural flight, as confirmed by a source at the aircraft’s manufacturer, Commercial Aircraft Corp of China (Comac). The flight will be celebrated with an event at Shanghai’s Hongqiao airport.
Hong Kong, a global aviation hub, was chosen for the C919's international debut. Mayur Patel, Asia head at OAG consultancy, explained, “Airlines need approval to fly a specific aircraft type to an overseas airport. For C919 operators, they will require approval from a particular country. Given the C919’s range, regional airports in Southeast Asia would be the ideal choice.”
The C919 is still under evaluation by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency. However, it has already been showcased in Southeast Asia, with demonstration flights to Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia, and Indonesia. China has also secured mutual recognition of airworthiness certification with countries such as Singapore, Indonesia, and Myanmar.
Jason Zheng of Airwefly added that the Hong Kong route could serve as a model for the C919’s deployment on other Southeast Asian routes, boosting its international visibility.