Lao Airlines Takes Delivery Its First COMAC C909 Aircraft
Lao Airlines took delivery of its first COMAC C909 aircraft on Sunday, March 30, 2025, becoming the second airline outside China to integrate this model into its fleet.
The C909, with registration number RDPL-34229, features a 90-seat economy-class configuration. Its interior and exterior design is fully tailored to the Laotian market, with markings in the local language and a customized livery. Notably, the national flower of Laos adorns the aircraft’s tail. The plane was delivered under a leasing agreement and will begin commercial operations after completing the necessary preparatory work.
Features and Capabilities of the C909
The C909 has a range of 2,225 to 3,700 kilometers, enabling it to cover most domestic routes in Laos and various international routes in the region. Key operational advantages include its ability to take off and land on short and narrow runways, as well as its strong performance in high-temperature conditions—critical features for operations in Southeast Asia.
To date, a total of 162 C909 units have been delivered.
→ COMAC aims C919 to fly to Southeast Asia by 2026
Certification and COMAC’s Support for Lao Airlines
The Laotian Civil Aviation Authority granted the Type Acceptance Certificate (TAC) for the C909 on March 18, 2025.
To ensure a smooth transition, COMAC has assigned a specialized team to support Lao Airlines in various areas, including manual development, staff training, aeronautical material supply, and maintenance capacity building. Additionally, a group of experts in flight operations, cabin crew, operational control, and maintenance has been dispatched to Laos to ensure the efficiency and safety of the C909’s operations.
Lao Airlines: Fleet Expansion and Modernization
As the flag carrier, Lao Airlines plays a pivotal role in the country’s air transport and regional connectivity. The company is currently focused on expanding its capacity and modernizing its fleet. The addition of the C909 will strengthen its flight offerings and enhance its competitiveness in Laos’s growing air transport market.
With this delivery, COMAC and Lao Airlines solidify a strategic partnership that could influence future acquisitions and the evolution of aviation in Southeast Asia.
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