China Southern Airlines Gets First Group of Pilots Certified for C919

In a significant achievement for China Southern Airlines, the first group of eight captains has successfully completed their C919 type rating training, as announced on the airline’s official WeChat account. This training, conducted at the facilities of Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC), marks a pivotal step as these pilots are now the first from China Southern to be certified to fly the C919 aircraft.

The 38-day training program, which commenced on May 14, 2024, and concluded on July 10, saw these pilots excel, achieving a 100% pass rate across various assessments including flight performance, system theory, and simulator training. This accomplishment underscores China Southern’s commitment to excellence and safety in its operations.

At the graduation ceremony, Yang Yuanyuan, the former head of the Civil Aviation Administration of China, inspired the pilots with her vision. She urged them to aim high and lead advancements in the domestic aviation sector, positioning themselves as industry benchmarks.

Adding to the celebratory atmosphere, Gao Fei, Deputy General Manager of China Southern Airlines Group, highlighted the airline’s ongoing initiatives to enhance safety and operations. He emphasized the strengthening partnership with COMAC, aiming to foster a collaborative platform that will drive forward the domestic large aircraft industry.

Cui Wei, representing the newly certified pilots, expressed their collective commitment to upholding and advancing the legacy of China’s aviation pioneers. He stressed their dedication to contributing to the domestic aviation industry through professional excellence and a spirit of innovation, echoing China Southern Airlines’ strategic goals.

This milestone comes on the heels of China Southern’s announcement on April 29 regarding a substantial order of 100 C919 aircraft valued at USD 9.9 billion. This order positions China Southern alongside its peers, Air China and China Eastern Airlines, in supporting China’s ambition to enhance its presence in the global aviation market. China Eastern has already integrated four C919 aircraft into its fleet, demonstrating the model’s growing footprint.

As reported during their Q1 2024 earnings briefing, China Southern anticipates the delivery of its first C919 aircraft in August this year. With the pilots now fully trained, the airline is well-prepared to welcome the new aircraft to its fleet, signaling a new era in Chinese aviation and further solidifying China Southern Airlines’ role in promoting domestic technological advancements in the aerospace sector.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, WeChat, simpleflying.com