COMAC Chairman and Party Secretary He Dongfeng has conducted a series of on-site visits to review the operational performance of the C909 and C919 aircraft, engaging directly with airlines, flight crews, maintenance personnel and passengers.

The visits took place on 2 and 4 June and included flights operated by China Eastern Airlines and China Southern Airlines on C919 routes between Shanghai, Xi’an and Guangzhou, as well as C909 services linking Guangzhou, Jieyang-Chaoshan, Hefei and Shanghai.

Focus on operational feedback

During the visits, He Dongfeng gathered operational feedback and user experiences from passengers, pilots, cabin crew and maintenance personnel. Discussions also included exchanges with airline customers regarding the combined operation of trunk and regional route networks.

According to COMAC, the initiative forms part of a broader effort to strengthen customer engagement and better understand operational requirements as the company enters a new stage of development.

He emphasised the importance of maintaining a customer-focused approach, encouraging the use of frontline operational feedback to support product improvements, accelerate development cycles and enhance market competitiveness.

Supporting product optimisation

COMAC stated that lessons learned from commercial operations will be used to improve aircraft design, operational efficiency and customer experience.

The company highlighted the importance of understanding user needs and operational scenarios, while drawing on customer feedback to guide future product optimisation and development activities.

He also stressed the need to work closely with airline customers to identify market opportunities and support the long-term growth of COMAC aircraft programmes.

C909 approaches ten years of commercial service

The review comes as the C909 approaches its tenth anniversary in commercial operation.

According to COMAC, airlines operating the aircraft have expanded route networks and developed regional aviation services over the past decade. China Southern Airlines and Shantou Airlines have established a regional network centred on Jieyang, connecting a large number of provincial capitals across China while extending services into Southeast Asia.

COMAC noted that the C909 has become a significant aircraft type within China’s domestic regional aviation market, supported by the continued expansion of its route network and operational applications.

Looking toward future regional growth

The company said it will continue working with airline partners to better understand regional aviation trends, route network development and evolving passenger requirements.

COMAC believes this collaboration will help unlock additional opportunities for the C909 in both domestic and international markets while supporting the continued development of regional air transport services.