THE C-919 COMMENCES OPERATIONS

China's first passenger aircraft has commenced operations-a landmark in that country's desire to create its own aerospace ecosystem

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The COMAC C-919, China's first passenger aircraft, Sunday completed its first commercial flight marking its official entry into the civil aviation market. Chinese authorities are confident it can compete with the Boeing 737 MAX and Airbus A320. After years of research and development, the launch of the C919 is seen as a pivotal moment in Beijing's "Made in China 2025" strategy, which aims to boost local manufacturing, including by reducing reliance on foreign aeroplanes for its aviation sector.