C919 makes more test flights

The first and second prototypes of the C919 aircraft, China's first domestically produced narrow-body passenger jet, made additional test flights in Shanghai and Xi'an, Shaanxi province, on Friday morning, indicating that the airworthiness certification work of the C919 model is advancing steadily, an industry expert said.

The 101 prototype test aircraft of the C919 took off at 11:05 am from the testing base in Yanliang district, in northeastern Xi'an, and flew for three hours and 10 minutes. The 102 prototype test aircraft took off at 7:13 am at Shanghai Pudong International Airport and returned at 8:47 am, said Commercial Aircraft Corp of China, its manufacturer.

The manufacturer said both aircraft finished stability tests and systematic inspections. Meanwhile, the third prototype test aircraft has finished the wing and body abutment and airtight rain test. Workers are now assembling cable and airborne systems, COMAC said.