This year celebrates five years since Air China introduced the C909 into its fleet. Over this period, the airline has focused on expanding the use of Chinese-manufactured civil aircraft. “The C909 has proven its reliability and efficiency in our operations,” said an Air China spokesperson. “We are proud to see it now serving international routes, connecting more passengers across borders.”
Air China’s C909 fleet currently consists of 35 aircraft, which have collectively logged over 110,000 safe flight hours and transported more than 4.13 million passengers. Operating from hubs in Beijing, Chengdu, and Hohhot, the fleet covers over 30 routes, with more than 100 daily scheduled flights. The C909, designed for short- to medium-range travel, has a seating capacity of 78 to 97 passengers and a range of 2,225 to 3,700 kilometers, adhering to international civil aviation standards.
The airline has also expanded its network to include 68 routes under the Belt and Road initiative, linking 29 countries across Asia, Africa, and Europe. For the 2025 summer-autumn season, Air China plans to introduce new routes, such as Beijing-Cairo, Beijing-Tashkent, Urumqi-Tashkent, and Beijing-Almaty, to further enhance connectivity. “These new routes reflect our commitment to fostering global connections through reliable and modern aircraft,” the spokesperson added.
The C909, previously known as the ARJ21, marked the ninth anniversary of its first flight on June 28, 2025. Developed independently by China, the aircraft has become a cornerstone of the country’s aviation industry. To date, 166 C909 aircraft have been delivered to the market, operating on over 700 routes and serving more than 24 million passengers worldwide. Its design and performance have made it a competitive option for regional travel, supporting both domestic and international operations.
Air China’s adoption of the C909 underscores its role in promoting homegrown aviation technology. The successful integration of the aircraft into international routes highlights its reliability and growing presence in global markets. As the fleet continues to expand, the C909 is expected to play a key role in connecting more destinations while maintaining high safety and efficiency standards.
