China’s C909 completes debut international flight to Mongolia
July 4, 2025
China’s domestically produced Comac C909 passenger aircraft has completed its first international commercial flight.
The Air China service is another step in the country’s push to establish itself as a player in the global airframer market, with Comac keen to expand beyond its presence China.
Comac reaches Mongolia
The flight departed from Hohhot Baita International Airport in northern China’s Inner Mongolia at around 8am on Tuesday and landed just over an hour later at Chinggis Khaan International Airport in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
Some 74 passengers were on board flight CA757.
On arrival, the C909 was welcomed with a ceremonial water salute.
Passengers interviewed by Chinese state media expressed pride in taking part in the flight.
“I’m travelling abroad for the first time, and it just happens to be the maiden international flight of the homegrown aircraft. I feel really lucky and proud,” said one.
Another said: “It’s a moment of national pride. This truly showcases the significant progress in China’s aviation industry.”
Captain Liu Yongguang, who piloted the flight, said: “It’s a great honour to captain the C909 bedecked with the Chinese national flag on its first international mission.
“We conducted a comprehensive operational risk assessment for the route, taking into account aircraft performance, airspace structure, airport operating standards, and meteorological conditions to formulate a precision flight plan accordingly.”
C909 turns 9
The C909 programme marked its ninth anniversary over the weekend.
Since its entry into service, 166 aircraft have been delivered and are now operating on over 700 routes, having transported more than 24 million passengers.
They are primarily operated by Chinese carriers, however a handful of foreign airlines have ordered the regional aircraft, including Equatorial Congo Airlines, TransNusa of Indonesia, and GallopAir of Brunei.
Lao Airlines took delivery of its first Comac C909 in a special ceremony held on 30 March 2025, at Shanghai-Pudong airport.
