China's homegrown jet C919 completes first commercial flight in Hangzhou

At 6:32 pm on Sept 11, China's domestically produced C919 aircraft, operated by Air China, touched down at Hangzhou International Airport, marking its inaugural commercial flight to the city.

The flight, carrying 150 passengers, a 95-percent occupancy rate, makes Hangzhou one of the first cities in China to use the C919 on its regular commercial routes.

The C919 will now regularly operate along the Hangzhou-Beijing route. Flight CA1722 departs Beijing Capital International Airport at 4:30 pm and arrives in Hangzhou at 6:45 pm. The return flight, CA1727, departs Hangzhou at 8:00 pm.

Passengers expressed excitement about the historic flight. Zhang Haochen, who traveled from Shanghai, said he made the trip specifically to experience the first commercial flight of the C919 in Hangzhou. Another man, surnamed Lyu, also praised the aircraft's spacious and comfortable design, having flown on its maiden Shanghai-Beijing route the day before.

The C919, China's first domestically developed large aircraft, features a range of 4,075 to 5,555 kilometers and seating for 158 to 192 passengers. Air China's version is an extended-range model with greater weight and engine capacity, enhancing its market adaptability.

The C919's cabin features Air China's "Phoenix Cloud" interior, with enhanced lighting, spacious seating, and additional amenities, offering a more comfortable passenger experience.