A new chapter in China’s aviation story just landed in Shenzhen.
On May 18, the long-anticipated C919 aircraft, China’s homegrown commercial jetliner, officially made its debut at Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport, operating its first regular commercial route between Shenzhen Bao'an(SZX) and Shanghai Hongqiao(SHA).
Operated by China Eastern Airlines, the C919 now flies daily round trips on this busy route, marking a major milestone as Shenzhen becomes the 11th city in the country to host scheduled C919 services.
Designed as a direct competitor to global workhorses like the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737, the C919 is China’s first domestically developed narrow-body jetliner built to international commercial aviation standards.
The inaugural flight, MU5351, departed Shanghai Hongqiao at 9.26am and landed in Shenzhen at 11.31am, drawing attention from plane spotters and aviation enthusiasts alike.
The aircraft features 8 business class seats and 156 economy class seats, along with cabin Wi-Fi connectivity for passengers using digital devices.
From May 19 onward, the C919 officially takes on MU5351/MU5360 for daily operations between Shenzhen and Shanghai, China Eastern confirmed.
This particular route is no random pick as the Shenzhen and Shanghai Hongqiao route is one of the busiest domestic air corridors in China, currently served by seven airlines operating 82 daily flights.
In the first four months of this year alone, passenger traffic on this route grew by nearly 10% year-on-year, reflecting the booming demand and strong urban connectivity between the two economic powerhouses.
So far, China Eastern has flown the C919 to 10 other cities, including Beijing, Chengdu, Chongqing, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Shenyang, Taiyuan, Wuhan, Xi’an, and Hong Kong.
Shenzhen is the latest city to join this growing list, just as China Eastern prepares to expand its C919 fleet to 20 aircraft by the end of this year, with 10 more deliveries expected in the coming months.
For Shenzhen-based aviation lovers or curious flyers itching to experience China’s next-generation aircraft firsthand, now’s your chance to book a ticket and board the C919 straight from home turf.
And if you do, don’t forget to share your in-flight photos and reviews—we’d love to hear what it’s like flying the pride of Chinese aviation!
[Cover image via China Eastern Airlines]
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