China Eastern Airlines inaugurated its Macau-Nanchang route yesterday with the domestically produced C909* aircraft, marking the first commercial flight of the Chinese-plane to Macau.
The inaugural flight carried 85 passengers and landed at Macau International Airport around 12:10 p.m., greeted by a water cannon salute arranged by the airport.
According to a statement from the airport yesterday, the route will operate three round trips a week, on Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday, aiming to offer greater connectivity between Macau and Jiangxi Province.
Nanchang is the capital of Jiangxi.
Speaking at the ceremony, Civil Aviation Authority President Stanley Pun Wa Kin (AACM) and Macau International Airport Company (CAM) Executive Committee Chairman Simon Chan Weng Hong highlighted the significance of the new link.
Chan was quoted by the statement as saying that as the capital of Jiangxi, Nanchang is known as the “Hero City” for its historic role as the birthplace of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), being the home to landmarks such as the Pavilion of Prince Teng and the Han Dynasty Marquis of Haihun site. He added that the connection not only provides Macau residents with new opportunities to explore Nanchang’s culture and landscapes but also opens the door for Nanchang residents to experience Macau’s East-meets-West heritage.
Other guests at the ceremony yesterday were Yang Quanzhou, deputy director-general of the Economic Affairs Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in Macau; Wynn Macau President Linda Chen Chih-ling, who is also a standing committee member of the Jiangxi Provincial Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC); and Anabela Barros, managing director of Menzies Macau Airport Services Ltd., along with other representatives.
The captain of the inaugural flight highlighted the significance of the landing, noting, “This is the first time that the Chinese-made C909 aircraft has landed in Macau Airport. The landing was very smooth, and it was a very good feeling.” He described the aircraft as powerful, high-performing, and comfortable for passengers, adding that as a product of the 2000s, it represents a generational leap compared to Airbus and Boeing models.
A passenger on board said the direct flight had solved a longstanding inconvenience. “The biggest advantage is convenience. Before, flying from Nanchang to Macau always needed a transfer, taking time, effort, and money. Now it is fast and direct,” he remarked. He praised the C909’s smooth flight, seeing it as a reflection of China’s technological advancement and a sign of breaking away from market monopolies.
From an operational perspective, Barros noted the extensive preparations. “We are very honoured to receive the first handling request for the C909 aircraft type at Macau Airport,” she said, adding that her teams had undergone training in Shanghai to manage the new aircraft’s technical requirements, including pushback and towing operations. She expressed satisfaction at successfully welcoming the C909 to Macau.
* The C909 is a next-generation passenger jet developed by China, aimed at transforming the aviation landscape with innovative technology and design. As a significant milestone in China’s aerospace industry, the C909 represents the country’s ambition to compete on a global scale in the commercial aviation sector. – Poe
These photos taken at the Macau International Airport yesterday show the China Eastern Airlines C909 greeted by a water cannon salute arranged by the airport, and the interior of the aircraft. – Photos: Khalel Vallo
