China’s C919 passenger jet marks first anniversary of commercial flights: 13 key moments from year 1

Bearing the symbolic number MU9191, the China Eastern Airlines craft carried over 130 passengers between the two cities in around two hours.

2. Second C919 delivered

Comac delivered a second C919 jet to China Eastern Airlines in Shanghai.

3. C919 to come in different sizes (September 2023)

Comac said it intended to build an expanded series of the C919, with seating classes spanning 130 to 240 seats, up from the original range of between 156 and 192.

4. China Eastern Airlines signs deal to buy 100 C919s

China Eastern Airlines said it signed a contract with Comac to buy 100 more C919 passenger planes, in addition to the five it ordered in 2021.

The airline said five were to be delivered in 2024, while 10 would be delivered annually in the following three years, and 15 would follow each year from 2028 to 2030. Annual deliveries are expected to reach 20 in 2031, it added.

5. First trip outside mainland China (December 2023)

The C919 made its first trip outside mainland China by flying to Hong Kong, including a flyover of the city’s iconic Victoria Harbour.

6. Third C919 delivered (December 2023)

Comac delivered its third C919 aircraft to China Eastern Airlines for operation on a route between Chengdu and Shanghai.

7. Deal signed for high-altitude variant (December 2023)

They also agreed to jointly establish a national research centre.

Plateau-suited jets are shorter and carry more oxygen cylinders to ensure the aircraft can maintain a continuous supply of oxygen in the event of a depressurisation, while the engines also have more thrust to support sustained flight at higher altitudes where the air is thinner.

They are also equipped with more accurate satellite communication systems to suit the complex terrain.

8. China seeks European approval (January 2024)

The Civil Aviation Administration of China said it would promote the certification of its domestically built narrowbody passenger jet in Europe in 2024.

The C919 has only been certified by the Chinese regulator.

9. C919 flies China’s busiest route (January 2024)

The regular service was expected to be available for two weeks.

10. C919 makes international debut (February 2024)

Two C919s took part in the 2024 edition of the Singapore Airshow, its first-ever international display.

11. C919 eyes Southeast Asia (February and March 2024)

12. Air China agrees to buy 100 C919 (April 2024)

Air China said that it had signed an agreement with Comac to buy 100 C919s between 2024 and 2031.

The airline said it had negotiated a “rather large price discount” off the listed total of US$10.8 billion for the order.

13. C919 passes ‘deep level’ post-flight safety tests (May 2024)

The C919 passed a battery of “deep level” safety tests during four days of “A-inspection” tests by China Eastern Airlines Technology, a subsidiary of the group that owns China Eastern Airlines.

A crew of more than 60 checked the aircraft – referred to as B-919A by China Eastern Airlines – and tested its engines, landing gear and all equipment in the cabin.