China’s passenger airliner C919 has completed its first scheduled international commercial flight, marking a critical milestone in Beijing’s efforts to develop an alternative to Boeing and Airbus.
The aircraft departed from Beijing for Ulaanbaatar on Wednesday, with plans for daily services between the two capitals in the coming months.
Designed to carry up to 174 passengers, the C919 is China’s first narrow-body commercial airliner, targeting the same market segment as Boeing’s 737 MAX and Airbus’s A320.
In November of last year, Chinese aviation startup EHang announced plans for flying taxi services from major airports. According to the company’s chief financial officer, Conor Yang, these trips will cost between 200 and 300 yuan ($28–42), slightly more expensive than a premium class taxi ride.
