On August 28th, 2024, both Air China Limited and China Southern Airlines Company Limited took delivery of their first C919 aircraft at the Pudong base of the Assembly Manufacturing Center of Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China, Ltd. (COMAC). This event signifies the beginning of a new operational phase for the C919 aircraft as it will be used by multiple airlines.
The delivery ceremony revolves around the theme of "building a glorious future together and soaring hand in hand." During the ceremony, the hangar door was opened slowly, unveiling the first C919 aircraft of Air China adorned with the Five-Starred Red Flag, and the first C919 aircraft of China Southern painted with the red kapok. This simultaneous presentation added mutual radiance and beauty to the event. COMAC provided Aircraft Sales Certificates and handed over commemorative aircraft keys to Air China and China Southern, respectively. The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) issued Registration Certificates, Airworthiness Certificates (AC), and Radio Station Licenses to Air China and China Southern, respectively.
The first C919 aircraft of Air China is an extended range version of aircraft in a two-class layout with 158 seats, including 8 business class seats and 150 economy class seats. The first C919 aircraft of China Southern is a standard range version of aircraft in a three-class layout with 164 seats, including 8 business class seats, 18 premium economy class seats and 138 economy class seats. The two aircraft are equipped with customized facilities and equipment such as the cabin seats, and personal charging interfaces are equipped throughout the cabin to provide passengers with a convenient and comfortable flight experience.
To guarantee the smooth introduction and subsequent smooth operation of the C919 aircraft, Air China and China Southern have worked closely with COMAC to fully promote various work such as aircraft model selection, production supervision, personnel training and operation preparation. COMAC has insisted on the principle of being customer-centred and continuously improved its customer service and operation support system to make preparations for putting more C919 aircraft into route operation.
So far, nine C919 aircraft have been handed over to customers. Notably, the C919 aircraft belonging to China Eastern Airlines (CEA) has been in successful operation for 15 months following its inaugural commercial flight. It has been serving on five designated routes, accomplishing over 3,600 commercial flights and logging 10,000 flight hours.
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