China on Wednesday launched the first international route featuring its homegrown C919 aircraft, connecting Beijing with Ulaanbaatar, capital of Mongolia, according to Air China.
China's homegrown C919 large passenger aircraft passes through a water gate at the new Ulan Bator airport in Mongolia, Aug. 12, 2026. China's homegrown C919 large passenger aircraft landed safely at the new Ulan Bator airport in Mongolia on Wednesday afternoon after departing from Beijing Capital International Airport, marking the completion of the aircraft's first scheduled international commercial passenger flight. This is the first international route opened after the C919 entered commercial operation, marking the official transition of China's domestically developed mainline passenger aircraft into a new phase of regular international operations. (Xinhua/Bolortsetseg)
China's homegrown C919 large passenger aircraft landed safely at the new Ulan Bator airport in Mongolia on Wednesday afternoon after departing from Beijing Capital International Airport, marking the completion of the aircraft's first scheduled international commercial passenger flight.
A grand water salute ceremony was held at the airport. Passengers gradually disembarked from the aircraft, watched a unique ethnic dance performance, and were greeted by a procession of attendants dressed in traditional Mongolian attire.
This is the first international route opened after the C919 entered commercial operation, marking the official transition of China's domestically developed mainline passenger aircraft into a new phase of regular international operations.
According to available information, the international route is operated under flight numbers CA723/CA724, with daily scheduled flights as a regular service.
As China's first domestically developed large passenger jet for civilian use, the C919 has been successfully operated on multiple domestic routes since entering commercial service. It has gained widespread market recognition due to its reliable flight performance, comfortable cabin experience, and stable safety standards.
The operation of this flight on the China-Mongolia international route demonstrates that the C919 has successfully passed the verification of bilateral international civil aviation operating standards, thereby officially acquiring the qualification for regular international commercial passenger operations.
China's homegrown C919 large passenger aircraft lands at the new Ulan Bator airport in Mongolia, Aug. 12, 2026. China's homegrown C919 large passenger aircraft landed safely at the new Ulan Bator airport in Mongolia on Wednesday afternoon after departing from Beijing Capital International Airport, marking the completion of the aircraft's first scheduled international commercial passenger flight.
This is the first international route opened after the C919 entered commercial operation, marking the official transition of China's domestically developed mainline passenger aircraft into a new phase of regular international operations. (Xinhua/Bolortsetseg)
Passengers are greeted by etiquette staff dressed in traditional Mongolian costumes as they step out of the cabin at the new Ulan Bator airport in Mongolia, Aug. 12, 2026. China's homegrown C919 large passenger aircraft landed safely at the new Ulan Bator airport in Mongolia on Wednesday afternoon after departing from Beijing Capital International Airport, marking the completion of the aircraft's first scheduled international commercial passenger flight.
This is the first international route opened after the C919 entered commercial operation, marking the official transition of China's domestically developed mainline passenger aircraft into a new phase of regular international operations. (Xinhua/Bolortsetseg)
Crew members of Air China pose for group photos at the new Ulan Bator airport in Mongolia, Aug. 12, 2026. China's homegrown C919 large passenger aircraft landed safely at the new Ulan Bator airport in Mongolia on Wednesday afternoon after departing from Beijing Capital International Airport, marking the completion of the aircraft's first scheduled international commercial passenger flight.
This is the first international route opened after the C919 entered commercial operation, marking the official transition of China's domestically developed mainline passenger aircraft into a new phase of regular international operations. (Xinhua/Bolortsetseg)
China's homegrown C919 large passenger aircraft lands at the new Ulan Bator airport in Mongolia, Aug. 12, 2026. China's homegrown C919 large passenger aircraft landed safely at the new Ulan Bator airport in Mongolia on Wednesday afternoon after departing from Beijing Capital International Airport, marking the completion of the aircraft's first scheduled international commercial passenger flight.
This is the first international route opened after the C919 entered commercial operation, marking the official transition of China's domestically developed mainline passenger aircraft into a new phase of regular international operations. (Xinhua/Bolortsetseg)
