China's C919 Jet Makes First International Commercial Flight
The Chinese-made C919 completed its maiden international passenger flight from Beijing to Ulaanbaatar. European routes remain serviced by traditional aircraft as local regulatory approval is pending.
2026年8月16日
/ DANGDI / DANGDI / DANGDI /China's homegrown C919 passenger jet completed its first international flight. An Air China flight flew from Beijing to Ulaanbaatar on August 12, 2026. For Chinese residents in Copenhagen, C919 flights to Europe remain distant. European aviation regulators have not yet approved the new airliner. Direct flights between Europe and China will continue using older models.
The C919 is built by Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China. It is a narrow-body plane similar to the Boeing 737. The aircraft has flown on Chinese domestic routes since 2023. China views building its own planes as a security priority.
However, the jet still relies heavily on foreign components. Over half of its suppliers are based in the United States. Last year, the manufacturer delivered 15 jets to customers. This fell well short of its target of 75 planes.
Brunei's GallopAir ordered 15 C919 planes in 2023. However, the airline does not operate commercial flights yet. Experts say gaining global passenger trust will take generations. This report is based on coverage by The Guardian.
Source: The Guardian
