Beijing : Air China's maiden flight of its first C919 aircraft (registration number B-919X) from Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) arrived in Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) at 1:00 pm on September 10, 2024.

With this, the airline successfully marked the aircraft's official entry into commercial operations, 13 days after the carrier received its first C919 plane. On August 28, both Air China and China Southern Airlines received their first C919 aircraft from COMAC.

Prior to the flight, Air China held a launch ceremony at Beijing Capital International Airport. Executives from the Civil Aviation Administration of China, Air China and the Capital Airports Holding Company, among others, were present on the occasion.

Air China also invited two Chinese Olympic champions who had recently won gold medals at the Paris Olympics-diver Quan Hongchan and gymnast Liu Yang-to attend the maiden flight ceremony.

At the end of April, Air China announced that it had ordered 100 extended-range C919 aircraft from COMAC, with a list price of USD 108 million per plane. The deliveries will take place in batches from 2024 to 2031.

Among China's big three, Air China is the only one to choose the extended-range version of the C919, which offers a higher maximum takeoff weight and engine thrust along with a longer range, providing better market adaptability.

Air China's C919 cabin layout includes eight business class seats and 150 economy class seats, providing passengers with a more spacious travel experience.

Each seat in Air China's C919 cabin is equipped with features such as six-way adjustable headrests, high-power and high-speed USB-C and USB-A charging ports, adjustable overhead reading lights and mobile device stands, offering passengers a more convenient and comfortable experience.

According to Air China's announcement, starting from September 11, its C919 will operate two routes: Beijing Capital-Shanghai Hongqiao and Beijing Capital-Hangzhou.

Air China also expects to receive its second and third C919 aircraft in October and December, respectively, and plans to use the C919 on routes to Chengdu in the future.