BEIJING: China’s first self-developed narrow-body jet, the C919, successfully completed its maiden commercial flight on Sunday, ushering in a new era of aviation that utilizes domestically manufactured aircraft, industry experts said.
Some 130 passengers traveled on China Eastern Airlines flight MU 9191, which departed Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport at 10:32 am. The plane landed at Beijing Capital International Airport at 12:31 pm, and was welcomed with a traditional water salute.
“Sitting in the China-made passenger aircraft C919, I felt extremely excited and proud,” Zhang Keli, a passenger from Beihang University in Beijing, said when she shared her memorable experience with People’s Daily.
“Both the take-off and landing were as smooth as wide-body aircraft, and the whole flying process is terrific. The cabin is quieter than traditional narrow-body jets,” Zhang said.
Wu Guanghui, head designer of the C919 and chief scientist at Commercial Aircraft Corp of China, said the commercial flight was the fulfillment of a dream. “COMAC will work on delivery of more jets to our clients to ensure more people can take our homegrown aircraft,” he was quoted as saying by Beijing News. –The Daily Mail-China Daily news exchange item
