Air China Launches First Comac C919 Flights on Key Routes

Air China has announced the debut of its first Comac C919 aircraft on domestic routes, marking a significant milestone in China’s aviation industry. Starting September 10, the airline will operate the C919 between Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) and Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA). The following day, it will also deploy the aircraft on the route between PEK and Hangzhou.

The airline received its inaugural C919 on August 28, during a joint ceremony with China Southern Airlines. China Southern plans to commence its C919 operations on September 19, flying the aircraft between its hub at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport and SHA.

Air China currently offers up to 15 daily flights between PEK and SHA, utilizing a mix of Airbus and Boeing narrowbody and widebody aircraft. It also provides up to two daily flights between PEK and Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) and between Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX) and PVG. Additionally, the carrier operates up to 14 flights daily between PEK and Hangzhou International Airport, with five weekly flights from PKX to Hangzhou.

The introduction of the C919 follows Air China’s recent financial report, which revealed revenues of approximately $11.1 billion for the first half of 2024, a 33% increase year-over-year. Despite this, the airline faced net losses of $493 million during the same period.

Air China and China Southern join China Eastern Airlines, the launch customer for the C919, in incorporating the new aircraft into their fleets. China Eastern began flying the C919 in May 2023 and currently operates the aircraft on five routes with around 23,600 weekly seats. China Eastern has seven C919 aircraft in service and 98 more on order.

The C919, designed to accommodate between 158 and 192 passengers, has a maximum range of about 2,535 miles (2,203 nautical miles). Air China’s C919 features eight business-class seats and 150 economy-class seats.