Air China To Launch C919 On Two Domestic Routes

Air China will initially deploy its first Comac C919 aircraft on two domestic routes, the carrier has confirmed.

Starting Sept. 10, the airline will use the aircraft type between Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) and Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA). The following day, the aircraft will also be used between PEK and Hangzhou.

Air China received its first C919 on Aug. 28 during a joint ceremony with China Southern Airlines, which intends to introduce its first C919 flights between its Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport hub and SHA from Sept. 19.

Air China currently operates up to 15 flights per day between PEK and SHA using a combination of Airbus and Boeing narrowbody and widebody aircraft. The airline also provides up to two daily flights between PEK and Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG), as well as between Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX) and PVG, according to OAG Schedules Analyser data.

Additionally, the carrier flies between PEK and Hangzhou International Airport up to 14 times per day, as well as from PKX five times per week.

The introduction of the C919 to Air China’s fleet comes after the airline reported revenues of about $11.1 billion for the six months to June 30, marking a rise of 33% year-over-year. However, net losses amounted to $493 million during the period.

Air China and China Southern are the second and third airlines, respectively, to add the C919 to their fleets, following China Eastern Airlines, the launch customer. China Eastern commenced commercial flights using the aircraft in May 2023 and currently operates five routes using the aircraft type, providing some 23,600 weekly seats.

China Eastern currently operates seven C919 aircraft and has 98 more on order. Air China and China Southern have each received one C919, with orders for an additional 99 and 104 aircraft, respectively.

The C919 is designed to seat between 158 and 192 passengers, depending on the configuration, and has a maximum range of approximately 2,535 mi. (2,203 nm). OAG data shows that Air China’s first C919 has eight business-class seats and 150 in economy.