Grand welcome for C919 in HK: Water salute marks first Shanghai-HK regular commercial flight
China's domestically produced C919 aircraft made its highly anticipated debut in Hong Kong on Jan. 1, 2025, completing its first commercial flight on the Shanghai-HK route. The flight, operated by China Eastern Airlines, landed at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) at 10:44 a.m. after a journey of approximately 2 hours and 23 minutes. The aircraft was greeted with a ceremonial water salute, the highest honor in aviation.
HK's Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Mable Chan, welcomed passengers upon arrival and distributed commemorative souvenirs to mark the occasion.
Starting from New Year's Day, China Eastern Airlines has scheduled daily round-trip flights between Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport and the HKIA using the C919. The flight numbers are MU721 for the Shanghai to HK route and MU722 for the return leg. The inaugural flight, MU721, departed Shanghai at 8:21 a.m. with 157 passengers onboard, officially launching the C919's first regular commercial service between the two cities.
The C919, developed by the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China, is a domestically manufactured trunk-line passenger jet. It successfully completed its maiden commercial flight on May 28, 2023. On Dec. 16, 2023, the C919 made an impressive demonstration flight from the HKIA, creating a historic moment for aviation enthusiasts.
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China's C919 to launch first regular route to HK starting January 2025
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