C909 of Chengdu Airlines completed its first flight from Harbin to Khabarovsk, launching a new international route between China and Russia
When a new aircraft crosses the border, it does more than just carry passengers — it shortens distances and strengthens ties between neighbouring countries. The launch of the Harbin‑Khabarovsk route is a step towards bringing East Asia and the Russian Far East closer, turning days of travel into hours of flight. Behind this route lie not only economic calculations but also hopes for tourism, trade and mutual understanding.
On Tuesday, a C909 aircraft of Chengdu Airlines flew from Harbin (Northeast China) to Khabarovsk (Russian Far East), marking the opening of a new international route. Harbin‑Khabarovsk flights operate twice a week, on Tuesdays and Saturdays, with a flight time of about 1.5 hours. The project aims to strengthen aviation links between China and Russia, creating a "two‑hour flight circle" between major cities in Northeast China and the Russian Far East. The C909, previously known as the ARJ21, made its first commercial flight on 28 June 2016. Since then, according to the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC), the aircraft has carried more than 37 million passengers.
The C909 (formerly ARJ21) is China's first domestically developed and produced regional jetliner. It is designed for short‑ and medium‑haul routes and is actively used by Chinese airlines. The Harbin‑Khabarovsk route is part of a strategy to expand the international presence of Chinese aircraft manufacturers and strengthen transport links between the border regions of the two countries. As CCTV+ reports. The new route not only makes travel easier for residents of both countries but also opens up additional opportunities for tourism, business and cultural exchange.
