Home-developed C919 and ARJ21 aircraft will touch down in Hong Kong for the first time from next Tuesday to next Sunday, Chief Executive John Lee announced today at a media session ahead of the Executive Council meeting.

With the visit marking the C919’s first journey out of the Mainland, Mr Lee said this illustrates that the country attaches great importance to Hong Kong’s aviation industry and its role as an international aviation hub.

The two aircraft will receive a ceremonial water salute on arriving at Hong Kong International Airport on the afternoon of December 12. Following a welcoming ceremony on the apron, due to be held the next morning, the planes will be put on static display at the airport until December 15. Representatives from the local and overseas aviation industries, as well as members of youth groups and district organisations, will be invited to board and explore the jets.  

Another highlight will be a flight demonstration on December 16. Weather permitting, the C919 will take off at around 10.30am from the airport, fly over Victoria Harbour from west to east, and then fly around Hong Kong Island twice.

The planes will leave Hong Kong for Shanghai on the afternoon of December 17.

The ARJ21 is the first turbofan regional aircraft independently designed and manufactured by China. It began commercial operations in 2016 and launched on the international market last year following an official delivery to an overseas customer.

The first commercial C919 aircraft was delivered to an airline in December 2022, and came into service this year.