To receive the home-developed aircraft C919 and ARJ21 on their first visit to Hong Kong, the Civil Aviation Department (CAD) and Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) hosted a welcoming ceremony at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) this morning (December 13).

     Addressing the welcoming ceremony, Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, extended his heartfelt gratitude to the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) and the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China, Ltd (COMAC) for arranging the visit of the aircraft C919 and ARJ21 to Hong Kong. Mr Lee was elated to receive the home-developed aircraft duo and pointed out that the first visit of the two domestic aircraft was a full manifestation of the country's great importance bestowed upon the development of Hong Kong's aviation industry as well as the city's status as an international aviation hub. Mr Lee took pride in the participation of a Hong Kong CAD flight expert in the aircraft C919 certification process, and invited members of the public to witness the country's extraordinary accomplishment in the civil aircraft manufacturing industry at both sides of Victoria Harbour this Saturday (December 16). 

     After his speech, Mr Lee joined other officiating guests including the Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Mr Zheng Yanxiong, and Deputy Administrator of the CAAC Mr Cui Xiaofeng to board and visit the aircraft C919. They were greeted by crew members from the COMAC inside the cabin and were briefed on the features of the airliner.

     The aircraft C919 and ARJ21 arrived at HKIA yesterday (December 12) and were received by a ceremonial water salute. For the next two days, the C919 and the ARJ21 will be on static display at HKIA. If weather permits, the C919 will conduct a flight demonstration over Victoria Harbour on Saturday (December 16) for members of the public to witness the C919's first appearance over Hong Kong skies. 

     For more details regarding the visit of the C919 and the ARJ21, please refer to the following website:
https://www.cad.gov.hk/english/comac.html.

Ends/Wednesday, December 13, 2023
Issued at HKT 17:09

NNNN