A C919 flight demonstration over Hong Kong in December 2023.
China Eastern Airlines is expanding its Comac C919 network after operating the aircraft’s first scheduled commercial flight outside mainland China.
The airline has introduced daily service between Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) and Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) using the 164-seat narrowbody, replacing Airbus A321s on the route. Daily A330-300 flights will also continue to operate on the same sector, according to data provided by OAG Schedules Analyser.
The addition of the C919 service brings the total number of routes China Eastern operates with the aircraft to nine. It follows the December launch of flights from SHA to both Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport and Wuhan Tianhe International Airport.
Additionally, the carrier intends to commence C919 service between SHA and Beijing Capital International Airport from Jan. 21, complementing its existing C919 flights between SHA and Beijing Daxing International Airport.
By early February, China Eastern will be offering about 260 flights and 42,400 seats per week using C919s—equivalent to about 1.4% of its overall scheduled capacity. The SkyTeam alliance member currently has 10 C919s in service, with a further 95 on order.
The launch of the Hong Kong service marks Comac’s first step in moving beyond the Chinese domestic market. Yang Yang, the company’s deputy general manager of marketing and sales, told the Financial Times the company hopes the C919 will gain European certification this year and be flying Southeast Asia routes by 2026.
Speaking at an event to celebrate the start of the SHA-HKG flights, Hong Kong’s Transport and Logistics Secretary Mable Chan also emphasized the broader implications of the launch, highlighting Hong Kong’s role in showcasing the achievements of China’s aviation industry.
She noted that the service strengthens Hong Kong’s position as a bridge between mainland China and the world under the “one country, two systems” framework. Chan also outlined Hong Kong’s capabilities to support C919 operations, including its aircraft maintenance facilities, advanced aviation training programs and a robust aircraft leasing framework bolstered by its status as a global financial center.
The launch of the C919 service coincides with the commissioning of HKG’s three-runway system in November 2024. The third runway was commissioned in November 2022 and has involved the reclamation of approximately 650 hectares (2.5 mi.2) of land north of the existing airport island. A 3,800 m (12,467 ft.) runway and supporting taxiway has been built, alongside the expansion of Terminal 2.
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