The Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) delivered its first C909 aircraft to Lao Airlines on Sunday. This is the first time that a Chinese jet airliner has entered the Lao market, marking a new step in the development of China's commercial aircraft's internationalization.
Designated RDPL-34229, the aircraft features a 90-seat all-economy class layout, and signage in the Lao language. Delivered under a lease agreement, it will begin operations after preparatory work is completed in Laos, COMAC said in a release shared with the Global Times.
The C909 aircraft is a turbofan regional passenger aircraft independently developed by China. With a range of 2,225 to 3,700 kilometers, sufficient to cover most domestic and nearby international routes from Laos.
The C909 aircraft is well-suited for Southeast Asia market, with strong high-temperature performance and the ability to take off and land on short, narrow runways.
Currently, there are 162 aircraft of this model have been delivered, with a total of 645 routes in operation, connecting 158 cities, and safely transporting more than 20 million passengers.
On March 18, 2025, the aviation department of Laos issued the type certificate to COMAC, certifying the aircraft for commercial operation in the country.
COMAC said it has formeda dedicated team to assist Lao Airlines in preparing manuals, personnel training, aviation material support, maintenance capacity building and other preparatory work. A professional crew, including pilots, cabin staff, operations controllers, and maintenance experts, has also been dispatched to ensure the safe and efficient operation of C909 aircraft in Laos.
Indonesia is currently the first country besides China operating COMAC planes, with Indonesian carrier TransNusa flying C909s jets.
In 2022, COMAC delivered the aircraft to Indonesian carrier TransNusa, marking the company's first delivery of the jet to an overseas client.
