Air China launches first international C919 service

Air China has launched the first regular international commercial service for the C919, a narrow-body passenger jet developed by COMAC. The service began on August 12, 2026, with a daily round trip between Beijing and Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.

The Beijing-Ulaanbaatar route was selected in part because Mongolia recognizes China’s civil aviation airworthiness standards. This expansion allows the aircraft to gather international operating data and build expertise in cross-border operations, including air traffic coordination and overseas maintenance. The service is integrated into global ticketing systems and is available to ordinary passengers.

As of August 2026, the C919 has served 57 routes and carried over 7.5 million passengers across various domestic and regional services. While the jet marks a significant step in China’s aviation industry, it has not yet obtained type certification from the FAA or EASA.