China's domestically manufactured C919 passenger aircraft has arrived at Singapore Changi International Airport on February 17, 2024, days ahead of the coming Singapore Airshow. Photo: Courtesy of China Eastern

China's domestically manufactured C919 passenger aircraft has arrived at Singapore Changi International Airport ahead of the coming Singapore Airshow, China Eastern Airlines, the aircraft's operator, said on Saturday.

It is the first time for the plane to be displayed at an overseas industry event. 

The plane, flying under registration number B-919A, arrived at the airport at 1:49 am on Saturday, following a six-hour, 4,200-kilometer flight.

The aircraft, together with another C919 aircraft and three ARJ21 aircraft, another domestically developed passenger jetliner, will be displayed at the show, which is scheduled to run from February 20 to 25.

This year will be critical for the producer of the C919 to accelerate mass production and deliveries, and it will also test the producer's ability to better integrate the associated industry chain, supply chain and innovation chain, Qi Qi, an independent market watcher, told the Global Times on Saturday. 

Exploring overseas market and promoting the plane to more international airlines is a test for the C919 manufacturer, and the display of the C919 in the Singapore airshow will allow more international customers to increase their confidence in Made in China aircraft, Qi noted. 

China's first domestically made passenger plane C919 takes maiden commercial flight from Shanghai to Beijing on May 28, 2023. Photo: IC

The C919 has continued to create a buzz overseas. The aircraft flew over Victoria Harbor in December 2023, marking the first time for a domestic commercial aircraft to fly over Hong Kong.

The plane received a ceremonial water salute from Hong Kong International Airport when it, together with an ARJ21, arrived in the city.

During an annual meeting held by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) in January, the CAAC said it will promote the approval review of the C919 aircraft for the European Aviation Safety Agency, aiming to introduce the aircraft to more countries.

Four domestically built C919 aircraft from China Eastern Airlines have been operating during the Chinese Lunar New Year holidays. The four planes are servicing routes between Beijing and Shanghai, and between Shanghai and Chengdu in Southwest China's Sichuan Province.