China Eastern Starts Commercial Operations with Second COMAC C919 Aircraft

China Eastern Airlines has officially launched the operational service of its second Chinese COMAC C919 aircraft, marking a significant step in the airline’s modern fleet expansion. The inaugural commercial flight took off from Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) and safely landed at Chengdu Tianfu Airport (FU). This exciting development underscores the airline’s commitment to enhancing its passenger experience and expanding its regional connectivity.

The commencement of commercial operations for this narrow-body passenger jet, registered as B-919C, signifies a pivotal milestone in China Eastern’s partnership with COMAC. The airline received the aircraft on July 16, 2023, at Hongqiao International Airport. The meticulously coordinated efforts between China Eastern Airlines and COMAC’s delivery team ensured a seamless transition from assembly to flight operations.

The journey of this C919 aircraft began with its final assembly completed in February 2023, followed by comprehensive production flight testing in June 2023. This rigorous testing process confirmed the aircraft’s airworthiness and readiness for commercial service. In a joint statement on July 16, 2023, the manufacturer highlighted the close collaboration between the delivery teams of China Eastern Airlines and COMAC in executing various critical tasks such as appearance inspection, ground testing, delivery test flight, regulatory assessments, and documentation management.

The B-919C joins the existing fleet of COMAC C919 aircraft, with four more units scheduled for delivery to China Eastern Airlines. The successful integration of the second C919 into the airline’s operations reinforces the reliability and performance of this modern aircraft model.

Coincidentally, the first COMAC C919, also operated by China Eastern, has been serving the same route since May 29, 2023, with great success. This strategic deployment optimizes operational efficiency and further solidifies China Eastern’s position as a pioneering airline in adopting innovative aviation solutions.

With this significant operational milestone achieved, China Eastern Airlines and COMAC continue to propel the aviation industry forward, fostering enhanced connectivity and passenger experiences while embracing cutting-edge aircraft technology.