Published: 15:33, September 9, 2025
China delivers first C909 medical aircraft for emergency, rescue missions
By Zhu Wenqian
An Air China C909 aircraft prepares for departure from Hohhot Baita International Airport in Hohhot, Inner Mongolia autonomous region on July 1, 2025. (TAO RAN / FOR CHINA DAILY)

The first C909 medical aircraft — a specialized derivative of China’s domestically developed regional jet — was delivered to China Flying-Dragon General Aviation Co Ltd in Zhengzhou, Henan province, on Tuesday. The handover marks a significant step forward in the serialized development of homegrown commercial aircraft.

The aircraft will be used for missions including emergency rescue, long-range medical services, and critical care transportation.

Designed with a maximum payload of 10 metric tons and a range of up to 3,700 kilometers, the C909 medical aircraft can also take off and land at ultra-high-altitude airports.

READ MORE: Air China C909 makes international debut flight on Mongolia route

Its cabin can be flexibly reconfigured to meet diverse rescue needs, supporting scenarios such as the deployment of medical teams, providing assistance in remote areas, and transporting injured or critically ill patients.