Chongqing - On December 3, China Eastern Airlines’ Flight MU5421 made history with the successful debut of the Shanghai Hongqiao–Chongqing Jiangbei route, operated by China’s first self-developed C919 jetliner. This milestone offers Chongqing residents the opportunity to experience the convenience and pride of flying on a domestically manufactured aircraft.  

On December 3, China Eastern Airlines Flight MU5421 arrived at Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport, where the crew received a warm welcome. (Photo/Luo Bin, Li Yuheng)

Chongqing welcomes its first C919 flight

Chongqing becomes the seventh city to be served by the C919, joining Shanghai, Chengdu, Beijing, Xi’an, Guangzhou, and Taiyuan in the aircraft’s growing network. Passengers on the inaugural flight expressed excitement and pride in flying on the homegrown jetliner.

“Flying home on a Chinese-made jetliner is a proud experience!” said Mr. Zhang, one of the passengers, who praised the aircraft’s craftsmanship and smooth performance. Ms. Mao Linzhi, another passenger, was impressed by the spacious cabin and the advanced onboard entertainment system, which allowed her to watch movies and play games during the flight.

The MU5421 flight was operated by the ninth C919 delivered to China Eastern Airlines. This particular aircraft is the first C919 equipped with a domestically developed local area network, offering enhanced passenger experience with Wi-Fi connectivity for streaming movies and gaming.

Starting December 4, the Shanghai Hongqiao–Chongqing Jiangbei route will operate daily, further expanding the C919’s reach and integrating Chongqing into this growing network.

On December 3, China Eastern Airlines' C919 arrived at Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport, with cabin crew posing for a photo in the spacious cabin. (Photo/Luo Bin, Li Yuheng)

Chongqing contributions propel C919's success  

Chongqing’s industrial contributions have been vital in the development of the C919, with local companies supplying advanced materials and components crucial to the aircraft’s design.

Chongqing Aureavia Hi-tech Glass Co., Ltd. developed the high-performance aviation glass for the aircraft’s nose section, breaking a foreign monopoly on this material in 2022. Another local company, Zaisheng Technology Co., Ltd., provides ultra-light, high-performance glass fiber insulation mats for the aircraft’s cabin—materials that were previously only produced by two foreign companies. These innovations enhance soundproofing and temperature control, offering passengers a quieter, more comfortable flight experience.

Chinalco Southwest Aluminum (Group) Co., Ltd., based in Chongqing, supplies key aluminum materials for the C919’s wings and landing gear. The company has overcome significant technical challenges to develop advanced alloys that were once only available through imports. Additionally, AmSafe, Inc.’s Chongqing facility manufactures the C919’s safety belts, meeting rigorous aviation standards for fire resistance, durability, and strength.

These contributions underscore Chongqing’s pivotal role in advancing China’s aviation supply chain and ensuring the success of the C919. As the aircraft continues to expand its service and incorporate further technological advancements, the C919 stands as a symbol of China’s growing influence in the global aerospace industry.

(Chongqing Daily contributed the Chinese version of this report.)