Chinese C919 aircraft launches' soaring wings' in the new year

On January 2nd, the South China Morning Post in Hong Kong published an editorial titled "After completing the historic flight of Hong Kong, China's C919 aircraft will further spread its wings and soar high", stating that after years of effort, China's domestically produced large aircraft have spread their soaring wings. China Eastern Airlines opened the first commercial route of C919 aircraft to cities outside mainland China on New Year's Day, running between Shanghai and Hong Kong

The Secretary for Transport and Logistics of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, Chen Meibao, praised the historical significance of this flight opened on New Year's Day during the celebration ceremony. For the Chinese aviation industry, this is a welcome development

The editorial believes that opening commercial flights between Shanghai and Hong Kong is part of China's efforts to promote the C919's entry into the global market. This is also another milestone for COMAC

The domestic aviation market in China is thriving. An analyst estimates that in the next 15 years, one out of every five new aircraft in the world will belong to the Chinese market

As a leading international aviation hub, Hong Kong has become the most suitable flight destination for C919 aircraft outside of mainland China, and it is also a way to increase the popularity of domestic aircraft

COMAC is planning to expand into markets outside of mainland China

Some analysts say that Southeast Asia may be the next flight destination for the C919. Indonesia's Lingya Airlines is already using the C909 (ARJ21) aircraft manufactured by COMAC. Analysts predict that more airlines will purchase the C919

In addition, the Financial Times website reported on January 1st that China is intensifying its efforts to break the monopoly of Boeing and Airbus in the aircraft market

The C919 aircraft produced by Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) will conduct its first commercial flight in 2023. Currently, the three major state-owned airlines in China - Air China, China Eastern Airlines, and China Southern Airlines - use the C919 to operate domestic flights. Starting from January 2025, China Eastern Airlines will allow the C919 to operate flights between Hong Kong and Shanghai

In China's efforts to move up the technology value chain, the C919 is a key project with the ultimate goal of challenging the monopoly of two Western companies, Boeing and Airbus

According to Airbus' forecast in 2024, the world will need 42430 new aircraft in the next 20 years, of which about 80% will be single aisle aircraft. Aviation consulting firm IBA predicts that by 2040, COMAC can significantly increase the production of C919

In order to expand its international influence, COMAC opened offices in Singapore and Hong Kong in October 2024

According to a report on the website of Bangkok Post on December 30, 2024, analysts predict that China's efforts to increase the international recognition of its domestically produced aircraft will accelerate by 2025 as the C919 aircraft is put into use on some of the busiest routes in China

Mayur Patel, Asia Business Director of Eujet International, said, "Airlines need approval to allow specific models of aircraft to fly to foreign airports. For C919 operators, they need to obtain approval from relevant countries. Considering the flight schedule of C919, airports in Southeast Asia would be ideal choices." He said, "C919 can fly to airports across Asia, provided it meets the regulatory and operational requirements of various countries, and C919 operators apply to use this aircraft model at these airports He also said that this may not require Western certification

The operators of C919, China Eastern Airlines and China Southern Airlines, have established extensive networks in Southeast Asia and may deploy new aircraft there. China has signed an agreement to have its airworthiness certification recognized by Indonesia, Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar