China Eastern Airlines, which recently received the world's first C919, has begun to conduct its proving flight of a total of 100 hours since December 26th.

The 100 hours of proving flight are mandatory by Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) regulations. It is a prerequisite for a Chinese domestic airline to add a new aircraft type to its fleet for commercial operations.

C919-1
Photo: China Eastern

The objective of the proving flight is to comprehensively test the reliability of China Eastern's C919 operational support system. Successfully completing the proving flight will lay a solid foundation for the successful launch of commercial flights afterward.

First two days of proving flight

The first proving flight, MU7801, took off from Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) at 13:25 and arrived at Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) at 15:17 on December 26th.

The C919 arrived at Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU) at 13:21 on December 27th, making its first appearance in Chengdu after its delivery. After landing, the aircraft received a water salute, a symbol of the highest etiquette in civil aviation. And it returned to its base in SHA at 18:15.

C919 in Chengdu water salute
Photo: China Eastern

According to China Eastern, the 100 hours proving flight will last until mid-February 2023, taking off from 10 airports in nine provinces and municipal cities.

Each proving flight will take off from SHA and return to SHA on the same day. Besides the PEK and TFU, the destinations will also include Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX), Xi'an, Haikou, Qingdao, Wuhan, Nanchang, and Jinan.

The proving flight needs to simulate the upcoming operations of China Eastern, including the whole process of dispatching, passenger boarding, pilot operation, maintenance, and so on.

After China Eastern completes the proving flight, the CAAC will review the result. The CAAC will approve the updated China Eastern's Operating Certificate (OC) after confirming that China Eastern has the ability to operate the C919 safely.

C919 in Chengdu
Photo: China Eastern

China Eastern aims to put the C919 into commercial operations in the spring of 2023. By then, the C919 will appear on popular routes between Shanghai and Beijing, Xi'an, Kunming, Guangzhou, Chengdu, and Shenzhen.

The proving flight is also a test for the internal cooperation of China Eastern. As Shang Feng, deputy general manager of the C919 Flight Department of China Eastern, said,

"The proving flight also tested the adaptability of the company's relevant support units to the C919 and the degree of connectivity between relevant departments. China Eastern will optimize the workflow based on the data, experience, and problems found during the proving flight."

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China Eastern's preparation

Regarding personnel preparation, China Eastern has completed the C919 type training of the first batch of 9 pilots, 24 flight attendants, and 13 maintenance personnel. In addition, the second batch of personnel training is ongoing. The number of personnel is enough to meet the requirements of the proving flight and the initial commercial operations.

China Eastern maintanence crew
Photo: China Eastern

Also, China Eastern has confirmed and purchased the first batch of spares and tooling equipment, according to China Eastern Airlines Technology Company. The ground service department of China Eastern has received weight and balance training from the OEM. China Eastern has carried out the C919 fueling operation training for a total of 150 ground staff and airport representatives from all over the country.

What do you think of the C919's prospects with China Eastern? Share your thoughts with Simple Flying in the comments.