The third C919 aircraft completes its first flight

The third of China's domestically-developed C919 passenger planes to roll off the production line landed safely at Shanghai Pudong International Airport after successfully completing 21 different tests during a 1 hour and 38 minute flight.

The third C919 aircraft flies over Pudong International Airport during its first flight on Friday, December 28, 2018. [Photo: People's Daily]

The Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China plans to build six of the aircraft to use for flight testing. The first three are primarily for testing performance, operability, and the structure of the aircraft. The following three will be used mainly for tests on the plane's electronic equipment, internal control systems, cabin systems, and resistance to extreme weather.

The third test aircraft will now head to the city of Xi'an in Shaanxi Province for further testing.

The first and second C919s, which made their maiden flights in May and December last year respectively, are currently conducting test flights in various Chinese airports.

According to a statement made on Wednesday by China's Minister of Transport Li Xiaopeng, all six test aircraft are scheduled for tests next year.