HK flyby

Two China-made aircraft will visit Hong Kong next week for the first time, with the C919 making a flypast over Victoria Harbour as part of its first voyage outside the mainland.

The C919, China's first domestically developed large commercial passenger aircraft, made its maiden commercial flight in May, carrying passengers between Shanghai and Chengdu.

The ARJ21, the first regional aircraft independently designed and manufactured by China, began commercial operation in 2016 and was sold to an overseas customer last year.

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said the two jets, developed by the state-owned Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China, will visit Hong Kong between Tuesday and Sunday.

They will be mounted on a static display at the Hong Kong International Airport for three days, from next Wednesday to Friday.

"The C919 jet will also conduct a demonstration flight over Victoria Harbour [on December 16 so Hongkongers] can witness its first appearance over Hong Kong skies," Lee said yesterday.

The jet will take off at around 10.30am from the airport and fly over Victoria Harbour from west to east if weather permits, according to the Civil Aviation Department. It will then fly around Hong Kong Island twice so more people can catch a glimpse.

Lee said youth groups and district organizations will be invited to survey the exhibited aircraft.

"Representatives from the aerospace company will meet with Hong Kong teenagers and share knowledge of the two aircraft," he said. "I believe these events will enhance youngsters' understanding and interest in the development of the country's aviation industry.

Mainland authorities "chose Hong Kong to be the first stop of C919's visit outside the mainland, which fully shows how much importance the country attaches to Hong Kong's aviation development and its role as an international aviation hub," he added.

Lee said the CAD has been participating in the development of the C919, and he felt "inspired" that Hong Kong civil servants could join the national aircraft program.

The CAD said the C919 and the ARJ21 will receive a ceremonial water salute at the airport on Tuesday afternoon, followed by a welcoming ceremony the next day.

Director-general of civil aviation Victor Liu Chi-yung said the department was invited to participate in the preliminary research and development of C919 in 2012.

He said he would be "overjoyed and excited" to see the C919 over Hong Kong skies.

Airport Authority chief Fred Lam Tin-fuk said the airport is honored to receive the C919's first overseas visit.

"We greatly admire and are inspired by the innovative spirit and technological prowess that underpin the development of the C919," he said. "We look forward to deepening collaborations and [contributions] to the development of a world-class aviation industry."

wallis.wang@singtaonewscorp.com