China Eastern Airlines starts the Shanghai-Taiyuan route operated by C919. [Photo/Shanxi Evening News]
The domestically produced large aircraft C919, operated by China Eastern Airlines, landed at Taiyuan Wusu International Airport on Oct 27. Taiyuan is now the sixth city to operate the C919 commercially.
The C919 route is fixed from Shanghai Hongqiao to Taiyuan, with flight number MU5299/5300, operating once daily. The schedule from Shanghai to Taiyuan is from 9:00 am to 11:15 am. From Taiyuan to Shanghai, the schedule is 12:05 pm to 2:20 pm.
China Eastern Airlines is the first airline globally to operate C919 commercially. With a fleet of eight C919 aircraft, it operates commercial routes in Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Xi'an, and Taiyuan.
As the largest resident airline in Shanxi, China Eastern Airlines has a reliable support team. To ensure the smooth operation of C919 flights, China Eastern Airlines Shanxi Branch established a dedicated C919 support team.
The C919 is a new-generation single-aisle mainline aircraft developed by China according to international airworthiness standards. It has fully independent intellectual property rights.
It was initiated in 2007, had its maiden flight in 2017, and obtained the type certificate from the Civil Aviation Administration of China on Sept 29, 2022, followed by the production certificate on Nov 29.
This model adopts advanced aerodynamic designs, propulsion systems, and materials, resulting in lower carbon emissions and higher fuel efficiency. China Eastern Airlines configured the C919 with a two-cabin layout, seating 164 passengers, including eight business class and 156 economy class seats.
Taiyuan Wusu International Airport is an important aviation hub in Shanxi. Its airport infrastructure can accommodate the C919's takeoff, landing, parking, and maintenance needs.
The airport's third-phase expansion project is progressing smoothly. In the future, it will become an aviation hub with 126 aircraft stands. This will provide ample space and sufficient support for the long-term stable operation of the C919.