Third Chinese prototype passenger plane completes its maiden flight

Third China-made prototype C919 passenger airplane has successfully completed its first test flight and landed safely in Shanghai Pudong International Airport on Friday afternoon.

The plane took off shortly after 11 a.m. and the inaugural flight lasted 1 hour 38 minutes.

After the maiden flight, the prototype will conduct test flights in the northwestern city of Xi’an, with a focus on flutter, speed adjustment, load, control and performance.

The first and second C919s made their maiden flights in May and December last year, respectively. They are currently conducting test flights in various Chinese airports.

Three more C919 prototypes are being manufactured and expected to complete test flights next year.

With a range of 4,075 kilometers, the C919 jet is comparable to the updated Airbus 320 and Boeing’s new generation 737.