China Eastern Airlines has taken delivery of its ninth COMAC C919, marking another milestone for China’s domestically developed commercial aircraft. The delivery, reported by Simple Flying, introduces a groundbreaking in-flight connectivity system for the Chinese carrier.
The new aircraft, registered as B-657T, completed its ferry flight from Shanghai Pudong to Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport on November 28, 2024. This delivery is significant for several reasons: it is the fifth C919 received by the airline this year and the first in the world equipped with a comprehensive cabin local area network (LAN).
At the center of this technological advancement is an innovative WiFi system developed by China Electronics Technology Group Corporation (CETC). Passengers can connect their personal devices to the “CEAIR-WIFI” wireless hotspot, offering seamless access to entertainment through the website www.muflyer.com. Travelers can enjoy features such as “Air Cinema” and “Air Games,” which is said to elevate passenger experience.
While this is a notable achievement for China Eastern, rival Air China appears to be ahead in adopting C919 WiFi technology. According to Simple Flying, Air China introduced WiFi-enabled C919s earlier, with its first extended-range variant featuring onboard connectivity delivered on August 26, 2024.
COMAC, the manufacturer of the C919, has also seen significant progress in production. According to Air Data News, the company delivered 10 aircraft in 2024—a sharp increase from just three the previous year. This uptick highlights COMAC’s growing role as a challenger to established players like Embraer.
With over 300 firm orders from major Chinese carriers, COMAC is positioning itself as a vital force in the global aviation market. The C919 represents more than just an aircraft; it is a symbol of China’s ambition to develop a competitive domestic alternative to Boeing and Airbus, reshaping the aviation industry landscape.
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