Shanghai-based One Two Three Airlines (OTT), a subsidiary of China Eastern Airlines (CIAH) (CEA), embarked on its first flight on December 28, 2020. The soar marked the official start of the airline’s operations.
“I’m proud and feel honored to participate in the maiden flight of the ARJ21, which is like my own child,” said Zhai Zhigang, OTT’s general manager, Chinese local media reported.
The nearly two-hour flight (registered as MU5159) took off from Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) and arrived at Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK). OTT Airlines used COMAC ARJ21-700 aircraft for the maiden flight.
On Dec 28, CEAir subsidiary OTT Airlines launched its domestic maiden flight with China-made airplane model #ARJ21. The new model is more spacious, more comfortable, and more eco-friendly. Are you ready to start new flying experience? pic.twitter.com/svHOzUw5VN
— China Eastern Airlines (@CEAirglobal) December 28, 2020
OTT Airlines will operate an entirely Chinese-manufactured fleet of aircraft: the ARJ21 and the C919, both manufactured by the Chinese state-owned aerospace company Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC).
The COMAC ARJ21 (Advanced Regional Jet) is the first short-medium range turbofan regional aircraft independently made by China. The ARJ21 aircraft has a layout of 78 to 90 seats and a range of 2,225 to 3,700 km.
Currently, OTT has two COMAC ARJ21-700 aircraft in its fleet, according to Planespotters.net The airline plans to have a total of 35 COMAC ARJ21-700 aircraft. The remaining batch of COMAC ARJ21-700s is scheduled to be delivered before 2025.