China delivers commercial C909 jetliner to Laos

(ECNS) -- China delivered a homegrown regional C909 jetliner to Laos in Shanghai on Sunday, according to the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China, Ltd. (COMAC).

This is the first time for a Chinese passenger jet to enter the Lao market, marking a new step forward in the international development of its commercial aircraft.

The aircraft, registered as RDPL-34229, features a 90-seat all-economy class configuration. Its interior and exterior signage are in Laotian, and the exterior livery is custom designed, with the Lao national flower, the Dok Champa, displayed on the tail.

The aircraft has been delivered to Lao Airlines under a leasing arrangement and will be put into service after a series of preparations in Laos.

The C909 aircraft is a domestically developed regional jetliner with a flying range of 2,225 to 3,700 km, making it capable of operating most domestic routes in Laos as well as regional international routes.

It boasts excellent high-temperature performance and the ability to take off and land on short and narrow runways, making it highly adaptable to the operating environment in Southeast Asia.

A total of 162 such aircraft have been delivered, operating on 645 routes, serving 158 cities, and safely transporting over 20 million passengers so far, according to COMAC.

The Lao Civil Aviation Authority issued the Type Acceptance Certificate (ATC) for the C909 jetliner on March 18, 2025, signifying that the model has met the basic requirements for commercial operation in Laos.

COMAC has established a dedicated team to assist Lao Airlines with various preparations, including manual development, personnel training, spare parts support, and maintenance capability. A support crew comprising experts in flight operations, cabin service, dispatch, and maintenance has been deployed to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the C909 in Laos.

As a key carrier in the local aviation market, Lao Airlines plays a crucial role in promoting connectivity between Laos and the surrounding regions.

The Airlines is currently expanding its capacity and upgrading its flight fleet to better meet the growing demand of Laos' air transport market. (By Li Yan)