First homegrown passenger jet takes off on maiden flight

Milestone event: China’s first domestically produced passenger jet C919 is seen before its first commercial flight from Shanghai to Beijing, at Shanghai Hongqiao Airport. — AFP

SHANGHAI: The C919, China’s self-developed large passenger aircraft, completed its first commercial flight from Shanghai to Beijing, marking its official entry into the civil aviation market.

The flight, operated by China Eastern Airlines, took off as MU9191 at 10.32am from Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport with 128 passengers on board.