China Eastern receives fifth COMAC C919 of 2024; first equipped with onboard Wi-Fi

Home
»
Stories
»
2024
»
November

GLOBAL INDUSTRY NEWS

Delta crash passengers should take the $30,000 payment, their lawyers say. Here’s why.

Southwest's layoffs dent its worker-first culture

Abu Dhabi's long-haul carrier Etihad Airways sees record $476 million profit in 2024

Jet2 warns of profits squeeze from rising costs and late bookings

Southwest bends further to activist shareholder Elliott's demands

Downgraded on a flight? Take these simple but important steps to get your money back

Delta Offers Over $2 Million to CRJ Crash Passengers

Boeing Delays Continue for Alaska, Hawaiian

Hong Kong Airlines launches daily Sydney flights

Airline to launch new bunk beds in economy on long-haul flights next year

How Airline Employees Are Coping After Deadly Washington Crash

Major airline reverses in-flight menu change amid outcry

British Airways frequent flyer scheme changes: everything you need to know

Airline introduces world-first hand luggage ban on popular travel gadget

Air Canada Delays Boeing 767 Reentry

Flight Centre tips ‘price war’ as first direct Melbourne to LA Delta flights go on sale

FAA reverses course on meeting prohibition, blaming rogue employee

British Airways tweaks frequent flyer scheme after backlash

Delta flight from New York to Florida diverted to North Carolina due to ‘odor in the cabin’

EASA Certifies Safran’s First Electric Motor

US court blocks Biden administration's airline fee disclosure rule

JetBlue Issues Dim Outlook But Execs Remain Confident in Turnaround Plan

Delta to Resume Tel Aviv Flights April 1

Boeing CEO Ortberg outlines 2025 priorities after heavy losses

Storm Eowyn: Thousands of trains, flights and ferries cancelled as 100mph wind batters UK

Indian carrier long haul: IndiGo returns to profitability, plans long haul flights

These Frequent Fliers Are Done With Loyalty Programs

JetBlue accepting Venmo as payment method for flights purchased through mobile app

United Airlines stock rallies on results, as growing demand wasn’t just about premium seats

Delta Adds Another Alaska Route

Global Industry News

China Eastern receives fifth COMAC C919 of 2024; first equipped with onboard Wi-Fi

Policy

Airbus A380 | Airbus

By Sky Industry News

Nov 28, 2024

At 9:47 a.m. on November 28, the Chinese self-developed Comac C919 aircraft, registered as B-657T, completed its ferry flight MU9002 from Shanghai Pudong International Airport to Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport. This delivery marks the fifth C919 received by China Eastern Airlines in 2024 and is notable for being the first in the world equipped with a cabin-based local area network (LAN), which enables onboard connectivity and entertainment.

The latest C919 features a passenger cabin LAN service provided entirely through Chinese domestically-developed equipment. Passengers can connect their personal devices to the wireless hotspot "CEAIR-WIFI" after activating airplane mode. By accessing www.muflyer.com, travelers can enjoy various entertainment options such as "Air Cinema" for movies and "Air Games" for gaming, along with destination guides and museum recommendations.

This new service enhances the in-flight experience by allowing passengers to engage in activities like gaming and movie-watching while traveling on the C919. Each seat includes instructions for accessing the LAN, facilitating easy connection for passengers.

Get the Newsletter

Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News

By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

The innovative LAN system was developed by China Electronics Technology Group Corporation (CETC) and has undergone necessary certification processes. It uses a high-speed gigabit Ethernet backbone integrated with wireless features and supports dynamic load balancing and wireless channel optimization. The infrastructure is prepared for future upgrades with reserved 5G and satellite communication interfaces.

Currently in trial operation, this service will be gradually expanded to all of China Eastern's C919 aircraft. The airline has designed a specialized "content library" that will be regularly updated to ensure fresh content.

Although China Eastern Airlines now has nine COMAC C919 aircraft with Wi-Fi capabilities, it is not the first airline to deploy a Wi-Fi-enabled C919 commercially. Air China holds that distinction, having introduced this feature from its initial delivery on August 26, 2024. The ER variant of Air China's C919 includes enhanced performance and an extended range with a more spacious cabin layout.

Earlier this month, Air China received its second C919 featuring onboard Wi-Fi, which operates daily flights on the Beijing-Wuhan route. With these advancements, Air China leads in integrating connectivity and comfort using domestically developed aviation technology.