Chinas first big passenger plane takes off for maiden flight

You're referring to the Comac C919, China's first domestically developed large passenger jet!

On May 5, 2017, the Comac C919 took off on its maiden flight from Shanghai Pudong International Airport, marking a significant milestone in China's aviation industry. The aircraft, designed and manufactured by the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC), is a narrow-body, single-aisle jet with a capacity for 156 passengers.

The C919 is a major achievement for China's aviation industry, as it represents the country's first attempt to develop a large commercial passenger plane. The project was launched in 2008, with a goal of creating a domestically designed and manufactured aircraft that could compete with international rivals like Boeing and Airbus.

The C919 is powered by two LEAP-1C engines from CFM International, a joint venture between General Electric and Safran Aircraft Engines. The aircraft features a range of advanced technologies, including a fly-by-wire flight control system, a glass cockpit, and a advanced avionics system.

The maiden flight of the C919 was a significant event, with a team of test pilots and engineers from COMAC and its partners on board. The flight lasted for about 1 hour and 45 minutes, during which the aircraft reached an altitude of 10,000 meters (33,000 feet) and a speed of Mach 0.8 (around 900 km/h or 560 mph).

The C919 is expected to enter commercial service in the mid-2020s, with China Eastern Airlines and Air China among the first carriers to operate the aircraft. The plane is expected to play a key role in China's aviation industry, helping to meet growing demand for air travel and supporting the country's economic development.

Overall, the maiden flight of the Comac C919 marks an important milestone in China's aviation industry, demonstrating the country's capabilities in designing and manufacturing large commercial passenger planes.