DALLAS — On March 30, 2025, China Aircraft Leasing Group Holdings Limited (CALC) delivered the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) C909 to Lao Airlines (QV), becoming the first Chinese-built passenger jet aircraft to enter the Lao market. 

The 90-seat economy class aircraft showcases a livery adorned with Lao national flowers and balloons on the tail, reflecting cultural and national identity. It also has Lao-language internal and external identification signs. 

The aircraft, provided under a lease agreement, will begin commercial operations as soon as QV concludes its necessary operational preparations.

Capability, Operational Suitability of the C909

The C909 is designed as a vortex-branch passenger airplane with a range of 2,225 to 3,700 kilometers (1,380 to 2,300 miles), capable of operating on nearly all international routes in and around Laos. The aircraft is particularly well-suited for Southeast Asian operations due to its excellent high-temperature performance and short-runway capability — a region where challenging airfield conditions often require robust aircraft capabilities.

According to its website, the C909 ecosystem, already a leader in regional aviation, is on track for 162 aircraft and operating on 645 routes in 158 cities. The model has transported over 20 million passengers so far, proving very reliable and efficient.

Certification, Support

The Lao Civil Aviation Administration (LCAA) issued an Aircraft Type Certificate (ATC) for C909, and a support team from China Merchant Flight was established to provide comprehensive support to QV throughout the operational readiness process. This includes manual preparation, personnel training, aviation material logistics, and the development of maintenance capabilities. 

Furthermore, a multidisciplinary support team, comprising specialists in flight operations, inflight services, transportation control, and aircraft maintenance, has been deployed to ensure the safe and efficient induction into service of the C909.

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