Air China’s Flag-bearing C919 Completes First Commercial Flight to Revolutionary Yan’an

According to Economic Information Daily, an official outlet of Xinhua News Agency, an Air China C919 domestic large passenger aircraft safely landed at Yan’an Nanniwan Airport on June 24, marking the successful completion of the first commercial operation mission of the national flag-painted C919 to China’s old revolutionary base areas. The airport welcomed the maiden visit of the flag-bearing C919 with a water salute, the highest etiquette in China’s civil aviation industry. Local residents presented traditional Ansai waist drum performances on the apron to celebrate the milestone aviation event.

The flag-adorned C919 flew over the iconic Yan’an Pagoda Mountain during its approach on the day, showcasing the integration of China’s homegrown aviation achievements and profound red cultural heritage. A promotional conference themed “Serving the People with Civil Aviation, Empowering Old Revolutionary Bases with Responsibility” was held in Yan’an on the same day to advance the development of Air China’s red route network. Two types of domestic civil aircraft, the C919 and ARJ21-900, were displayed together at the event, opening a new chapter for the systematic construction of Air China’s red aviation service network.

A public welfare study programme for young students from old revolutionary base areas was launched at the conference. Local teachers and students in Yan’an will take scheduled flights operated by the C919 to Beijing for a three-day study tour, helping foster a strong sense of dedication to the country’s aviation industry among young generations and pass on red spirits through practical aviation experience.

Air China currently operates 16 premium red air routes across China. Under the 2026 summer and autumn flight schedule, the airline plans to run 130 one-way services every week. The route network fully covers three major old revolutionary base areas including the Shaanxi-Gansu-Ningxia, Sichuan-Shaanxi and Jiangxi-Fujian regions, connecting core red cultural landmarks such as Jinggangshan, Yan’an, Ruijin and Zunyi.

China National Aviation Holding Company has rolled out diversified innovative products and services to empower regional development. New initiatives including red landmark check-in activities and preferential tourism policies via boarding passes have been introduced. Immersive red cultural themed activities are regularly held on board, while air cargo capacity is leveraged to deliver local specialty products from revolutionary base areas on a sustained basis.