On May 26, China Eastern Airlines revealed the date of the inaugural commercial flight of the COMAC C919, a contender in the global aviation market against the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320. This flight is scheduled for May 28.
The C919, bearing the registration B919A and a unique asset to the China Eastern fleet, is set to operate flight MU9191 between Shanghai and Beijing. It will traverse an estimated 1075 kilometers (or 668 miles) in about two hours and twenty-five minutes, connecting Hongqiao and Beijing Capital airports.
China Eastern typically deploys twin-aisle aircraft for this route, linking China’s two major cities. However, the specially designated flight 9191 exemplifies a significant moment in national development, as it will be executed using the domestically developed C919.
Breaking: The first commercial flight of COMAC #C919 will take off on May 28th.
China Eastern Airlines added a flight MU9191 a few minutes ago. pic.twitter.com/v4k9L1dnph
— ChinaAviationReview (@ChinaAvReview) May 26, 2023
The COMAC C919‘s development signifies a leap in Chinese aviation efforts to lessen its reliance on foreign manufacturers. The successful completion and deployment of this aircraft highlight China’s aspirations to become a significant force in the global aviation sector.
Encompassing numerous local firms and international partners, the development of the COMAC C919 has been a monumental task. Its evolution from concept to commercial deployment, despite a good amount of setbacks, stands as a testament to China’s growing capacity in high-tech manufacturing, particularly in commercial aviation, a remarkably challenging field.
