The first Chinese-designed airliner, the C919, made its first commercial flight on Sunday, marking a turning point for China’s air transport sector, which has long wanted to compete with its Western rivals, AFP reported.

In Beijing, it is hoped that the C919 will be able to compete with the most popular foreign aircraft, such as the Boeing 737 MAX and the Airbus A320.

“In the future, the majority of passengers will be able to choose to travel aboard a large aircraft of national design,” state broadcaster CCTV reported.

According to CCTV, China Eastern Airlines flight MU9191 “smoothly” landed at Beijing International Airport about 40 minutes early at around 12:30 local time (04:30 GMT).

The plane took off from Hongqiao Airport in Shanghai on Sunday morning, according to some images from the TV station, which said there were 130 people on board.

Before it took off, state media showed dozens of passengers gathered at Shanghai airport to admire the white machine.

Then they boarded the plane, which, after traveling along the runway, took off.

“Themed dinner” on board

All passengers received red boarding passes and were able to enjoy a lavish “themed dinner” on board to mark the occasion, CCTV reported.

China, which aims to become autonomous in the technological sector, has invested heavily in the production of this first Chinese-designed airliner.

The plane is built by the state-owned company Comac, but many engine parts come from other countries.

The C919 will be mobilized from Monday for China Eastern Airlines scheduled flights to connect Shanghai with Chengdu (South). (Agerpress)