Chongqing - Starting December 3, the domestically-made C919, China's self-developed large passenger aircraft, has been put into use for regular passenger flights between Chongqing and Shanghai, with two flights on the first day and one flight daily from December 4. Chongqing Aureavia Hi-tech Glass Co., Ltd., the sole supplier of the cockpit windshield glass, plays a key role in this milestone event.

Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport welcomed the first commercial flight of a domestically-produced large aircraft in Chongqing with a traditional "Water Salute Ceremony." (Photo/ Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport)

Flight attendants aboard the C919 warmly welcomed passengers. (Photo/ Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport)

Passengers boarding the C919 aircraft. (Photo/ Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport)

Earlier this year, Chongqing signed a strategic agreement with Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China, Ltd. (COMAC), the maker of the C919. This partnership has spotlighted Chongqing-based companies involved in the project, with several local products contributing key components for the C919.

The high-performance aviation glass raw materials developed by Aureavia Hi-tech Glass for the C919 windshield. (Photo/Zhang Jinhui)

Among the C919's most prominent features are its four cockpit windshield panels, all sourced from Aureavia Hi-tech Glass's facilities in Liangjiang New Area, Chongqing. 

Bai Yibo, Chairman of Chongqing Aureavia Hi-tech Glass Co., Ltd., told Bridging News that while the windshield glass may seem simple, it is one of the most complex components in aviation manufacturing, involving nearly all advanced glass production processes.

Aviation glass requires much higher performance than standard glass, particularly in impact resistance and temperature adaptability. Bai explained that material stability is crucial, which led Aureavia Hi-tech Glass’s R&D team to make numerous formula adjustments to optimize the raw glass mixture. This process significantly enhanced the glass's internal structure, resulting in a 50% increase in strength.

Aureavia Hi-tech Glass has made key technological breakthroughs in producing aviation-grade raw glass that meets international standards. It is now the only domestic company capable of manufacturing this specialty glass, reducing China’s reliance on foreign suppliers and ensuring autonomy in a critical technology sector.

“Innovation has been the key to overcoming these challenges,” Bai remarked. Aureavia Hi-tech Glass invests over 100 million yuan annually in R&D, representing approximately 10% of its revenue. 

In the Aureavia Hi-tech Glass laboratory, researchers are conducting glass stress tests. (Photo/Zhang Jinhui)

To date, the company has filed over 380 patent applications, including more than 180 for inventions. With strong technological innovation, the company has developed advanced specialty glass formulas and mastered core manufacturing techniques like ultra-thin float forming, all-oxygen combustion, and electric-assisted melting, positioning itself as a strong competitor to global glass industry leaders.

Looking ahead, Bai emphasized the importance of strengthening collaboration with aviation companies, including COMAC.

Aureavia Hi-tech Glass aims to establish robust cooperation mechanisms, drive technological innovation, and accelerate the commercialization of research outcomes. The company plans to expand its role in the aerospace supply chain, promote industry-university-research collaboration, and advance material research and application.