With much fanfare, Hong Kong welcomed the first scheduled commercial flight outside Mainland China of the country’s domestically developed and built C919 passenger jet on 1 January 2025.
The C919 aircraft received a water salute upon arrival at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) and a warm welcome from the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Mable Chan.
Operated by China Eastern Airlines, the C919 has commenced a daily round-trip route between HKIA and Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport. This marks a significant milestone for the home-grown narrow-body aircraft, developed to meet international airworthiness standards, and ushers in a new phase for Hong Kong as a global aviation hub.
“We hope this scheduled commercial flight will bring the Mainland’s historic innovation in civil aviation aircraft to the attention of Hong Kong citizens and international visitors,” said Mable Chan.
“This inaugural flight highlights the Mainland’s achievements in civil aviation and underscores Hong Kong’s unique position under ‘one country, two systems’ to facilitate these accomplishments while reinforcing our own standing as an international aviation hub,” she added.
Strengthening Hong Kong’s Role in Aviation
Chan outlined three key areas where Hong Kong can leverage its strengths to support the C919 programme.
- Aircraft Maintenance: With extensive experience and comprehensive facilities, HKIA is well-equipped to maintain China-made aircraft outside the Mainland.
- Training: The Hong Kong International Aviation Academy is a prominent training centre in Asia and plans to expand its programmes to include training specific to the C919.
- Aircraft Leasing: Hong Kong’s preferential tax regime for aircraft leasing, robust legal and financial systems, and status as the world’s largest offshore renminbi business centre make it an ideal location for facilitating the global expansion of China-made aircraft through financial leasing.
Chan also expressed gratitude to the Civil Aviation Administration of China for its support, noting that the C919 flights provide Hong Kong residents with an opportunity to experience the nation’s aviation achievements firsthand.
“As an international aviation hub situated in the heart of Asia, with half of the world’s population within a five-hour flight, Hong Kong will continue to connect the nation and the world under ‘one country, two systems’,” Chan said.
A Transformative Era for HKIA
The launch of the C919 service coincides with the commissioning of HKIA’s eagerly awaited third runway system (3RS) on 28 November 2024. This major development heralds a new era for Hong Kong’s aviation industry and its role in driving economic activities.
The 3RS is set to increase HKIA’s passenger handling capacity by 50%, reaching approximately 120 million passengers and 10 million tonnes of cargo annually by 2035.
Beyond its role as a transportation hub, HKIA is evolving into an “Airport City,” with projects such as:
- Building an ecosystem for the arts industry.
- Developing the AsiaWorld-Expo Phase 2.
- Constructing a yacht bay with supporting facilities.
- Opening a food market for imported fresh produce.
These initiatives aim to double the scale of the Airport City, establishing it as a world-class landmark and further cementing Hong Kong’s status as a global aviation leader.
Demonstrating the Nation’s Aviation Prowess
A demonstration flight of the C919 over Hong Kong in December 2023 gave a glimpse of the aircraft’s capabilities. Now, its regular presence at HKIA symbolises the remarkable progress of the Mainland’s aviation industry and Hong Kong’s pivotal role in showcasing these achievements on the international stage.
