China’s domestically developed large passenger aircraft, the C919, has reached a major milestone, carrying its 1 millionth passenger on Thursday, according to China Eastern Airlines.
The lucky passenger, surnamed Lin, was on board flight MU 2158 from Shanghai to Xi’an, northwest China’s Shaanxi Province.
“I feel very lucky and proud to be the 1 millionth passenger on the C919,” Lin said. “I hope to experience more ‘Made in China’ on my travels, and I wish the C919 the greatest success in the skies.”
The C919, developed by the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China, began commercial operation on May 28, 2023. To date, 14 C919 aircraft have been delivered to three leading Chinese airlines: China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines, and Air China.
China Eastern Airlines, which received the first C919 aircraft on December 9, 2022, has expanded its fleet to nine aircraft, operating eight regular routes and carrying over 850,000 passengers.
The C919 has also been deployed by China Southern Airlines and Air China, which have launched several operational routes connecting major Chinese cities.
The achievement marks a significant milestone for China’s aviation industry, demonstrating the country’s growing capabilities in developing and manufacturing large passenger aircraft.
