Photo: China Southern Airline
China Southern Airlines' first C919 aircraft completed its maiden commercial flight on Thursday, Sept. 19 (09/19), a carefully arranged alignment between the date and the model number.
At 12:11 p.m., flight CZ3539 took off from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport and arrived at 2 p.m. at Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport. Following its maiden journey, the C919, with the registration number B-919J, will return on flight CZ3540, departing from Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport at 3:50 p.m. and arriving back in Guangzhou at 6:15 p.m.
China Southern Airlines plans to expand the C919's operational routes to include flights from Guangzhou to Hangzhou and Guangzhou to Beijing Daxing, based on market demand and aircraft delivery schedules.
The C919 is China's first homegrown jetliner to meet international airworthiness standards. China Southern Airlines' aircraft boasts 164 seats across three cabin classes: 8 in business class, 18 in premium economy, and 138 in economy class.
Photo: Eastbrook
To celebrate the commercial maiden flight, China Southern Airlines set up exclusive C919 check-in counters at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, featuring dedicated signage and displays. For the first month of C919 operations, the airline will continue providing passengers with educational information about this innovative aircraft.
Photo: Eastbrook
Passengers flying on China Southern's C919 between September 19 and 21 will receive 919 bonus miles, special commemorative gifts, and a complimentary one-night stay when connecting from a domestic to an international flight.
Photo: Eastbrook
With the successful commercial launch of China Southern Airlines' C919, all three of China's major airlines are now operating this innovative aircraft in their fleets. In April of this year, China Southern Airlines signed an agreement with Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China, Ltd. (COMAC) to purchase 100 C919 aircraft, with deliveries scheduled in phases between 2024 and 2031.
Reporter | Eastbrook
Photo & Video | Eastbrook
Editor | Nan, Nina, James
