The Civil Aviation Department (CAD) and the Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) co-hosted a reception at Hong Kong International Airport this morning to welcome the home-developed aircraft C919 and ARJ21 on their first visit to the city.
 

Addressing the ceremony, Chief Executive John Lee thanked the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) and the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) for arranging the visit of the aircraft.
 

Mr Lee said he was elated to welcome the home-developed planes, adding that their arrival in Hong Kong was an illustration of the great importance invested by the nation in the development of Hong Kong’s aviation industry and the city’s status as an international aviation hub.
 

The Chief Executive also took pride in the participation of a Hong Kong CAD flight expert in the C919’s certification process. He invited members of the public to witness the country’s extraordinary accomplishments in the civil aircraft manufacturing industry by observing a C919 flight demonstration this Saturday. 
 

After his speech, Mr Lee joined Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Director Zheng Yanxiong and CAAC Deputy Administrator Cui Xiaofeng in boarding the C919 aircraft. They were greeted by COMAC crew members inside the cabin and received a briefing on the airliner’s features.
 

The C919 and ARJ21 aircraft will be on static display at the airport for the next two days. Weather permitting, the C919 will conduct a flight demonstration over Victoria Harbour on Saturday for members of the public to witness its first appearance over Hong Kong skies.

Separately, the Hong Kong SAR Government and AAHK will jointly organise a photo competition encouraging the public to capture the C919 flight demonstration over Victoria Harbour. People may submit their photographs through the AAHK online submission platform from December 16 to 29. Results will be announced next month.