The first commercial flight from Hong Kong to Shanghai by China’s home-grown C919 aircraft took off on Wednesday, with fans buying tickets to enjoy the experience.
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The single-aisle C919, manufactured by the state-owned Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (Comac), began operations between Hong Kong and Shanghai on New Year’s Day, marking the airliner’s first regular route outside mainland China.
Flight MU722 of China Eastern Airlines landed at Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport at 3pm, with passengers praising the comfort and amenities on board.
Hong Kong entrepreneur Eric Huang Tiande, 64, deliberately chose the single-trip maiden flight due to his passion for the C919 and business.
“I am an aviation enthusiast and I also have business cooperation with Comac manufacturing its souvenirs. I’m celebrating the maiden voyage in Hong Kong and Comac,” Huang said.
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He said his only problems were the overhead television screen on the window seat, which could hit his head when he stood up, and the luggage compartment design that prevented suitcases from lying flat, resulting in reduced storage space.
“Other than that, I feel very comfortable with more than enough legroom for me as a 1.74m tall man. It’s not difficult for me to reach the power outlet with USB charging ports. And I love the in-flight entertainment,” Huang said, referring to the captive Wi-fi on board.