The First C919 Operated by China Southern Completes Its Maiden Commercial Flight
September 19-2024,On September 19 at 12:11, as CZ3539 departed from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport with a full load of passengers, China Southern’s first C919, registered as B-919J, officially entered commercial operation.
Before the flight took off, China Southern held a launch ceremony at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport. Han Wensheng, President of China Southern Air Holding Company Ltd., Tan Wangeng, Board Director of COMAC, and Zhu Qianhong, General Manager of Guangdong Airport Authority attended and addressed the event. Among the guests were leading officials from Guangdong Province and Guangzhou Municipality, representatives from relevant civil aviation units, Zhu Yannan and Zhu Nenping, witnesses of the first two domestic air routes' launch after the founding of PRC, Olympic champion Xie Siyi and bronze medalist Wang Xue'er.
"China Southern will spare no effort in operating our first C919 route from Guangzhou to Shanghai Hongqiao, and provide passengers with safe, quality, and convenient air transport services, hoping more passengers will choose China Southern to experience the charm of C919. We will continue to enhance our operational support system to lay a solid groundwork for large-scale operations, and improve the route network based on the model's features and the needs of regional markets development, enabling more people to enjoy better flights on China’s self-developed aircraft," said Han Wensheng during his speech.
Zhu Yannan and Zhu Nenping, the brother and sister present at the launch of the first two domestic air routes after the founding of PRC 74 years ago, were specially invited to usher in a new chapter of China’s development into a strong country in transportation and civil aviation. As a balloon aircraft symbolizing China Southern’s first C919 flew around the venue, the audience burst into thunderous applause and the ceremony reached the climax. In addition to the ceremony, the airline also organized various activities at both Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport and Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport for passengers to share their thoughts and wishes.
On flight CZ3539, cabin attendants welcomed passengers with specially designed slogan boards at the cabin door and souvenirs were also prepared, wishing to bring warm and joyful experience to the travelers. "We offer two exclusive drinks on board to celebrate the successful launch of the maiden commercial flight as the start of China Southern’s operation of C919 and express our wishes to fly towards a better future together with passengers," said Zhuang Jingjing, the purser of the flight.
Following the departure flight CZ3539, the aircraft would operate the return flight CZ3540 on the same day, leaving Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport at 15:50 and arriving at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport at 18:15. China Southern plans to gradually expand its C919 routes from Guangzhou to destinations including Hangzhou and Beijing Daxing International Airport based on market demand and aircraft introduction progress.
C919 aircraft is the first jet type trunk liner independently developed by China in accordance with international airworthiness standards and owning independent intellectual property right. It features advanced technology, comfort, and efficiency. Under the philosophies of "Affinity and Refinement" and "Green Flight", China Southern’s first C919 is designed with a three-class layout, and capable of accommodating 164 passengers, including 8 in business class, 18 in premium economy class, and 138 in economy class. The airline has established a comprehensive operational support system dedicated to the homegrown aircraft with outstanding employees in flight, maintenance, and operation control, aiming to fully guarantee flight crew transition, personnel training, operation standards, route planning, and other work. China Southern Air Logistics Company Limited has also made adequate preparation to support the new model’s operation by refining cargo plans, developing emergency handling procedures, conducting multiple rounds of training, and introducing cargo category whitelist along with freight operation specifications to both domestic and international customers.
On the same day, dedicated check-in counters were set up at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, equipped with exclusive flight information displays and signs. And the dedicated counters would be kept there for the first month to provide passengers with C919-related information. From September 19 to 21, travelers flying with China Southern on C919 will earn 919 miles, receive special souvenirs and enjoy unique services, including complimentary overnight accommodation for domestic to international flight transfers.