Chinese-made aircraft C909 flies national flag on first international commercial route

(ECNS) — A domestically developed C909 passenger jet operated by Air China completed its first international commercial flight bearing the Chinese national flag on Monday, marking a new chapter in China's civil aviation history.

Flight CA757 departed Hohhot Baita International Airport and landed in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. The arrival was greeted with a traditional water salute, alongside a cultural welcome featuring local attire and ceremonial offerings.

It marks the beginning of international operations for Chinese-made commercial aircraft, signaling progress in the country's aviation manufacturing capabilities.

Introduced five years ago, the C909 fleet under Air China has grown to 35 aircraft, achieving over 110,000 hours of safe flight and serving more than 4.13 million passengers. The fleet now operates over 30 routes and schedules more than 100 flights daily from major hubs in Beijing, Chengdu, and Hohhot.

According to Air China, the inaugural flight demonstrates China's determination to advance the global presence of its homegrown civil aircraft and deepen Belt and Road aviation connectivity. The airline has so far launched 68 routes across Asia, Africa, and Europe, linking 29 countries under the Belt and Road Initiative.

New international services, including routes to Cairo, Tashkent, and Almaty, are set to launch in the upcoming 2025 summer-autumn season.

(By Evelyn)