On March 30, 2025, Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) has delivered its first C909 aircraft to Lao Airlines. This is the first time a Chinese-made passenger jet has been introduced into Laos, reflecting COMAC's growing international presence.
The C909, registered as RDPL-34229, features a 90-seat all-economy layout. It has been customised for Lao Airlines with Laotian-language signage, a unique exterior design, and the Champa flower, Laos' national symbol, on its tail. The aircraft has been leased to the airline and will commence operations following preparatory work in Laos.
Designed as a turbofan regional jet, the C909 has a range of 2,225 to 3,700 kilometres, making it suitable for both domestic and regional international routes. It is particularly well-suited to Southeast Asia's operational environment, with strong high-temperature performance and the ability to take off and land on shorter runways. To date, COMAC has delivered 162 C909 aircraft, which collectively serve 645 routes across 158 cities, transporting over 20 million passengers.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Laos granted an Aircraft Type Acceptance Certificate (ATC) to COMAC on 18th March 2025, confirming the aircraft's compliance with commercial operation requirements in Laos. COMAC has also deployed a support team to assist Lao Airlines with personnel training, maintenance capacity building and operational readiness.
Lao Airlines is actively expanding and modernising its fleet to meet increasing air travel demand. The leasing of the C909 is expected to enhance the airline's capacity and operational efficiency, strengthening connectivity within Laos and the broader region.
