Hunan Province has entered a new era of aviation connectivity as China’s domestically developed C919 passenger jet commenced dual-base operations from Changsha Huanghua International Airport. The aircraft (registered B-658N) completed its inaugural landing on Wednesday, establishing Hunan’s capital as the fourth Chinese metropolitan center to integrate the homegrown jetliner into regular service, following Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou.
China Southern Airlines, the pioneering carrier operating the C919, confirmed this strategic expansion represents a significant milestone in China’s commercial aviation advancement. The airline has initiated a dual-base operational model connecting Guangzhou and Changsha, enhancing regional connectivity while demonstrating growing confidence in the aircraft’s performance capabilities.
Since its initial deployment to Hunan in January, the C919 has been actively serving seven major domestic routes from Changsha to key economic hubs including Guangzhou, Beijing, Shanghai, and Chengdu. Operational data reveals impressive performance metrics with over 1,400 completed flights transporting more than 170,000 passengers to date. Travelers and aviation experts have particularly noted the aircraft’s enhanced comfort features and operational reliability during this period.
The expansion continues with China Southern Airlines announcing plans to introduce a second C919 aircraft to Hunan prior to the February Spring Festival travel season. According to Du Haibo, Deputy General Manager of China Southern’s Hunan branch, the additional aircraft will support three crucial routes during the peak travel period, connecting Changsha with Guangzhou, Beijing, and Shanghai.
This strategic deployment underscores China’s accelerating progress in aerospace manufacturing and commercial aviation infrastructure development, positioning the C919 as an increasingly important component of the country’s transportation network.