Hua Xia Shi Bao·2025-07-04 09:48Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the significant progress made by Chinese airlines, particularly Air China, in operating domestically manufactured aircraft, specifically the C909 model, on international routes, marking a crucial step in the internationalization of Chinese civil aviation products [3][4][5]. Group 1: Domestic Operations and Achievements - Air China has successfully operated the C909 aircraft on the international route from Hohhot to Ulaanbaatar, which is a notable milestone in promoting the international operation of domestically produced aircraft [4][5]. - The C909 aircraft, developed by COMAC, has a capacity of 78-97 seats and a range of 2,225-3,700 kilometers, and has been in commercial operation for nine years, with a total of 166 units delivered and over 700 routes operated, transporting more than 24 million passengers [7][8]. - Air China has a fleet of 35 C909 aircraft, achieving over 110,000 flight hours and transporting over 4.13 million passengers since its introduction [3][4]. Group 2: Strategic Importance and Market Expansion - The introduction of the C909 is part of Air China's strategy to enhance its regional flight capacity and improve its overall route network, aligning with the Belt and Road Initiative [4][5]. - The C909's operational efficiency on short-haul routes, such as the 1,100-kilometer Hohhot-Ulaanbaatar route, allows for significant cost savings compared to larger aircraft, thus improving operational efficiency [5][6]. - The C909 has been showcased in international airshows, with plans for further market penetration in Southeast Asia, where demand for civil aviation is high and competition is fierce [8][10]. Group 3: Internationalization Efforts - Other airlines, such as Chengdu Airlines and China Southern Airlines, have also begun operating the C909 on international routes, indicating a growing acceptance of this aircraft model in the global market [8][10]. - The C909 has received type acceptance certificates from various countries, facilitating its operation in international markets, with Laos being the latest to issue such a certificate [9][10]. - COMAC is actively preparing for the international launch of its C919 model, with plans to increase production capacity and establish a presence in overseas markets [10][11].