China News Service, Guangzhou, July 15 (Reporter Guo Jun) At 9:42 am on July 15, flight CZ3898 was fully loaded with passengers from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, flying to Jieyang Chaoshan International Airport, marking China Southern Airlines The first domestic ARJ21 aircraft was officially put into commercial operation. According to the fleet development plan, it is estimated that by 2024, the size of China Southern's ARJ21 fleet will reach 35.
It is understood that the enthusiasm for passengers to “early adopt” the domestic ARJ21 aircraft is rising. The flight ticket of the first flight CZ3898 was sold out in just a few days after it was opened for sale on June 18. The sales speed and passenger load factor far exceeded that of other models on the same route. In addition, the occupancy rate of the Guangzhou-Jieyang flight operated by ARJ21 aircraft within three days from July 16 to 18 has also exceeded 70%.
Interior view of the cabin of China Southern's first domestic ARJ21 aircraft. Photograph by Ji Dong
In order to let passengers feel the safe, comfortable and smooth service experience of domestic aircraft, China Southern also arranged a special check-in counter in the check-in area on the day of the first flight, and arranged a backbone business to assist passengers to quickly check-in, check-in, and fill in health. Procedures such as declaration, guide passengers to board the aircraft in an orderly manner, and ensure that flights are closed on time. When passengers boarded the aircraft one after another, the flight attendants presented a beautiful souvenir for each passenger.
The ARJ21 aircraft is a new turbofan regional aircraft independently developed by China with independent intellectual property rights. After the introduction of the first ARJ21 aircraft into China Southern Airlines, it has successfully completed emergency drills, verification flights, and flight training. China Southern Airlines has also completed the formulation of operational standards, manual revisions, and personnel training.
China Southern's first domestic ARJ21 aircraft was officially put into commercial operation. Photograph by Ji Dong
The cabin layout and interior of the ARJ21 aircraft of China Southern Airlines are customized and designed according to their own unique needs. Compared with other regional aircraft on the market, the comfort characteristics are obvious. The cabin of the aircraft adopts the layout of the 90-seat all-economy class with "2nd left, 3rd right". The aisle is relatively spacious, up to 19 inches. There is still room for the dining car to push through, and it will not cause blockage in the aisle. The width of each seat is 17 inches, and the space is more Spacious and more comfortable. The seats have a front-to-rear spacing of 31 inches, which is the same as the front-to-rear seats of the mainstream mainstream widebody economy class seats. After the front seat is reclined and tilted, the lower end of the seat will move forward automatically, ensuring that the rear seat passengers still have a relatively spacious seating space. In addition, the rear of each row of seats on the aircraft is equipped with a USB charging socket, which is convenient for passengers to charge electronic devices.
China Southern's first domestic ARJ21 aircraft was officially put into commercial operation. Photograph by Ji Dong
According to the relevant person in charge of China Southern Airlines, the first ARJ21 aircraft will be put into operation on the Guangzhou-Jieyang route. It is the specific action of China Southern Airlines to serve the construction of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and Shenzhen’s leading socialist demonstration zone with Chinese characteristics. The new development pattern of the “One Belt, One Zone” region provides convenient air passage.
It is understood that in the early stage of operation, China Southern Airlines deployed ARJ21 at its Guangzhou headquarters for operation, and at the same time took advantage of the large fleet's operational support advantages and networked market advantages, focusing on ensuring the ARJ21 aircraft is well maintained, operated, and developed. In the future, based on the range and economic efficiency of the aircraft, China Southern will continue to expand the feeder market, gradually deploy ARJ21 aircraft to Beijing Daxing International Airport, expand the service range of the Guangzhou-Beijing dual hub, and continuously optimize and improve the reliability and economy of domestic commercial aircraft. Sex, promote economic and social development, and provide more convenience for passengers to travel. (Finish)