China-built C919 passenger plane to make its intl debut

The C919, China's domestic developed narrowbody passenger jet, will operate its first scheduled international passenger service next month, marking a milestone in the aircraft's expansion beyond the domestic market.

The daily round-trip service will be operated by China's flagship carrier Air China, connecting Beijing and Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia, from August 12, according to the airline.

According to the schedule, outbound flight CA723 will depart Beijing Capital International Airport at 3 pm Beijing time and arrive at Ulaanbaatar's Chinggis Khaan International Airport at 5:15 pm local time. The return flight, CA724, will leave Ulaanbaatar at 6:30 pm local time and arrive in Beijing at 8:35 pm Beijing time.

The Beijing-Ulaanbaatar route dates back to 1958 and is currently operated by Air China and MIAT Mongolian Airlines, Mongolia's national carrier.

While the upcoming flight marks the C919's international debut, the jet has already been deployed on regional services. China Eastern Airlines launched the aircraft on scheduled flights between Shanghai and Hong Kong in January 2025, while Air China began regular C919 services between Beijing and Hong Kong in November.