China's first domestically produced flight took off on Sunday May 28 as a response to its western rivals in the air. The milestone commercial flight flew from Shanghai to Beijing successfully.

Flying under China Eastern Airlines flight MU9191, the new narrow-body aircraft left Shanghai with over 130 passengers at 10:32 AM local time at landed in Beijing just after 12:30 PM, about 40 minutes ahead of schedule. Passengers aboard the aircraft received a themed meal to celebrate the flight.

After years of research and development, the launch of the aircraft is seeing a pivotal moment in Beijing's "Made in China 2025" plan, which aims to boost self-reliance by increasing local manufacturing and reducing foreign imports. Despite this, Western help was enlisted in the creation of the aircraft.

The C919, built by COMAC (Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China) in China, has a range of 3452 miles (5555 kilometers). The single-aisle twin-engine aircraft boasts 164 seats in a two-class cabin configuration, consisting of Business and Economy seats. Many of the plane's major features, including elements such as the nose, fuselage, outer wing, etc. were designed by COMAC. 

However, as stated before, not all parts of the aircraft were manufactured locally. Some of the components, such as the LEAP-1C engines, were developed by other parties. Despite this, the aircraft is growing in popularity. 

According to the 2022 Shanghai Science and Technology Department Progress Report issued by the Shanghai Government, the C919 has received 1200 orders from 32 different clients.

The aircraft will be a direct competitor to the A320 and B737 narrowbody jets, also commonly used for domestic and regional international flights. Despite this, both Airbus and American rival Boeing intend to increase production within China. Last month, Airbus signed a deal to build a second Final Assembly Line in Tianjin, China. COMAC does not intend to back down, however. 

Last year Zhang Yujin, COMAC's deputy manager, stated that over the course of the next 5 years, COMAC would increase its annual production capacity to 150 models. China has previously produced a short-haul 90-seater ARJ21 aircraft, and COMAC is currently developing another aircraft with Russia. The CR929 is a widebody jet with two passenger aisles, but unfortunately, no recent updates have been issued by the company.