China Delivers Its First C909 Jetliner to Laos
China delivered its first C909 regional jetliner to Laos on March 30, 2025, marking a significant milestone in its commercial aviation expansion. This aircraft, which accommodates 90 passengers, is designed with Laotian signage and features the national flower on its tail. It is capable of operating various routes in Laos and has the support of COMAC for operational preparations.
On March 30, 2025, China successfully delivered its domestically produced C909 regional jetliner to Laos in Shanghai. This historic event, facilitated by the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China, Ltd. (COMAC), marks the inaugural entry of a Chinese passenger aircraft into the Laotian market, representing a significant advancement in the international expansion of China’s commercial aviation sector.
The C909 jetliner is configured to accommodate 90 passengers in an all-economy class layout, with both its interior and exterior signage designed in Laotian. Notably, the aircraft features a distinctive exterior livery showcasing the Dok Champa, the national flower of Laos, on its tail. It has been delivered to Lao Airlines under a leasing arrangement and will commence operations following necessary preparations within Laos.
This regional jetliner possesses an operational range between 2,225 and 3,700 kilometers, allowing it to effectively service both domestic and regional international routes. Additionally, it is engineered to perform optimally in high-temperature conditions and is capable of takeoffs and landings on short and narrow runways, enhancing its versatility for use in Southeast Asia.
To date, a total of 162 C909 aircraft have been delivered, which currently operate across 645 routes, serving 158 cities, and have safely transported over 20 million passengers, as reported by COMAC. The Lao Civil Aviation Authority issued the Type Acceptance Certificate on March 18, 2025, confirming that the C909 meets the necessary criteria for commercial aviation in Laos.
COMAC has dedicated a specialized team to support Lao Airlines in various preparatory tasks, including the development of operating manuals, personnel training, provision of spare parts, and establishing maintenance protocols. A team of experts has also been dispatched to assist with operational, cabin service, dispatch, and maintenance activities, ensuring the C909 operates safely and efficiently in the Laotian environment.
As a significant player in the local aviation landscape, Lao Airlines is pivotal in enhancing connectivity between Laos and its neighboring regions. The airline is actively working to expand its operational capacity and modernize its fleet in response to surging demands in Laos’s air transport market.
The delivery of the C909 jetliner to Laos signifies a notable achievement for China’s commercial aviation sector, marking the first Chinese passenger aircraft to enter the Laotian market. With its advanced features and operational capabilities, the C909 is set to enhance Laos’s connectivity in the region. CONAC’s support for Lao Airlines highlights the collaborative effort to meet the demands of the growing air transport market in Laos.
Original Source: www.ecns.cn
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