First C919 kicks off 100-hour verification flight

The world's first C919, newly received by China Eastern Airlines, started a total of 100 hours of verification flights on Monday.

Prior to the commercial operation, the test flights will fully verify the reliability of the preparation work conducted by China Eastern for the C919, confirming the home-grown large passenger aircraft can offer passengers a safe and comfortable journey.

The first verification flight MU7801 departed from Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport bound for Beijing Capital International Airport on Monday.

The 100-hour required flight time will last until mid-February 2023 covering 10 airports in nine provinces and cities.

After the test flights, the Shanghai-based carrier would receive a corresponding operation license issued by the Civil Aviation Administration of China, verifying its capability to operate the aircraft safely.

As China's first self-developed narrow-body jet, C919 made its maiden flight in 2017, and will come into commercial operation in spring 2023.