China’s C909 Jet Hits First International Flight
The COMAC C909 regional jet reached a significant operational milestone on July 1, 2025, completing its first international commercial flight departing from China. Air China operated the inaugural service from Hohhot Baita International Airport in Inner Mongolia to Ulaanbaatar’s Chinggis Khan International Airport, marking a new chapter for China’s domestically manufactured aircraft program nine years after the type entered commercial service.
Historic Flight Details
Air China flight operated by C909 aircraft registered B-605U departed Hohhot at 08:07 local time, arriving in Ulaanbaatar at 10:10 with 74 passengers aboard. The service received the traditional water cannon salute upon arrival, celebrating this milestone achievement for Chinese commercial aviation.
The route represents a natural expansion for the C909, which has been actively serving China’s border regions including Xinjiang, Inner Mongolia, and northeastern provinces. The aircraft involved in the inaugural international service was manufactured in June 2020 and delivered to Air China the same month, configured with 90 economy class seats in a 2-3 arrangement.
Aircraft Development and Rebranding
Originally designated as the ARJ21, the aircraft was officially rebranded as the C909 in November 2024 to align with COMAC’s naming convention alongside the C919 and C929 programs. The regional jet represents China’s first domestically produced short-to-medium-range turbofan aircraft, offering seating capacity up to 97 passengers.
COMAC Chief Designer and Chief Engineer Chen Yong emphasized the significance of this achievement: “The C909 has achieved a breakthrough in the commercial operation of homegrown jetliners and explored a development path for their entire life cycle.”
Operational Track Record
Since entering commercial service with Chengdu Airlines on June 28, 2016, the C909 has established an impressive operational history. COMAC reports that 166 aircraft have been delivered, operating on over 700 routes and transporting more than 24 million passengers during its nine-year service period.
The aircraft has proven particularly effective in challenging geographic regions, with 22 aircraft deployed in Xinjiang since June 2023, operating over 120 routes and carrying more than 1.3 million passengers. In June 2025, the type launched four daily flights between Kashgar and Yining, capitalizing on Xinjiang’s tourist season.
Fleet Distribution and Operators
According to ch-aviation data, 149 C909s are currently in active service, with 16 additional aircraft inactive and 380 more awaiting delivery. The operator distribution reflects the aircraft’s strategic importance to Chinese carriers:
- Air China: 35 aircraft (leading operator)
- Chengdu Airlines: 30 aircraft
- China Eastern: 27 aircraft
- Additional operators: China Southern, Shantou Airlines, China Express, Genghis Khan Airlines, Jiangxi Airlines, and Indonesian carrier TransNusa
International Expansion Strategy
While this marks the first international flight departing from China, the C909 has established international operations elsewhere. The aircraft began Indonesian service in April 2023, including operations on the Manado-Guangzhou route—its longest international service to date. Vietnam’s Vietjet also operates two C909s leased from Chengdu Airlines, though these aircraft are not reflected in standard databases.
The expansion into Mongolia represents a strategic step for COMAC’s international ambitions, targeting neighboring countries where Chinese aircraft can demonstrate reliability and performance in international operations while building confidence for broader global expansion.
COMAC’s Broader Aviation Program
The C909’s international debut complements progress on COMAC’s larger C919 narrow-body aircraft, which entered commercial service just over two years ago and had transported 1 million passengers by December 2024. The C919 achieved its own international milestone in January 2025 with Shanghai-Hong Kong service.
Both aircraft programs represent China’s strategic initiative to develop domestic aviation capabilities and reduce dependence on Western manufacturers, though challenges remain regarding international certification and market acceptance.
Market Challenges and Opportunities
The international expansion faces significant challenges, including obtaining certifications from aviation authorities outside China and competing against established regional aircraft from manufacturers like Embraer and Bombardier. However, the aircraft’s operational track record in China provides valuable data for international certification processes.
COMAC continues pursuing European Union certification for its aircraft programs, though geopolitical tensions and trade considerations may impact international market acceptance. The company’s strategy includes developing indigenous components to reduce reliance on Western suppliers and enhance international competitiveness.
Future Expansion Prospects
The successful China-Mongolia service establishes a foundation for potential expansion to additional international destinations, particularly in Central Asia and Southeast Asia where Chinese airlines maintain strong route networks. The aircraft’s proven performance in diverse operating conditions supports COMAC’s arguments for broader international acceptance.
As COMAC continues developing its aircraft programs, the C909’s international expansion provides valuable operational experience and market credibility essential for the company’s long-term aviation industry ambitions. The milestone represents not just aircraft capability demonstration but also China’s broader strategic goal of establishing a significant presence in global commercial aviation manufacturing.
