Passengers board the maiden C919 flight on its new regular route from Shanghai to Shenzhen. [Photo/WeChat ID: hongqiaoshangwuqu]
China Eastern Airlines recently launched the domestically developed C919 jet on a new regular route between Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport and Shenzhen Baoan International Airport.
The first flight, MU5331, took off at 9:28 am on May 18 and landed in Shenzhen at 11:31 am, marking the C919's debut in regular commercial services on this route.
Starting May 19, the C919 will operate daily flights under flight numbers MU5351 and MU5360. MU5351 will depart Shanghai at 5:40 pm, arriving in Shenzhen at 8:05 pm, while MU5360 will leave Shenzhen at 9:30 pm, reaching Shanghai at 11:55 pm. This new route is expected to improve operational efficiency, particularly during the thunderstorm season.
As the global launch customer for the C919, China Eastern Airlines has expanded its fleet to 10 aircraft, with plans to obtain 10 more this year. Since acquiring the first C919 in December 2022, the airline has achieved a number of significant milestones, including the aircraft's international debut and the first use of sustainable aviation fuel on a commercial flight.
The C919 now serves 13 routes connecting 11 cities, including Beijing, Chengdu, and Hong Kong, with over 26,000 flight hours and more than 1.5 million passengers.
