Hongkongers gather at Victoria Harbour as mainland China’s home-grown C919 passenger jet soars above city
- Plane makes two passes over harbour for excited onlookers, despite cloudy weather
- Aircraft is country’s first domestically developed narrowbody passenger jet, designed to compete with Boeing 737 and Airbus A320
Hundreds of Hongkongers gathered at Victoria Harbour to see one of the new passenger jets made in mainland China fly over the city on Saturday morning, with enthusiasts hailing the aircraft as a fresh start for the country’s aviation industry.
Crowds gathered at the Tsim Sha Tsui promenade, with teenagers and retirees alike eagerly snapping pictures, cameras and long lenses in hand, as the aircraft soared in the sky above.
Among the plane spotters was 13-year-old secondary school student Carson Chan, who left his home in Tin Shui Wai at 7am with his camera and tripod.
“It’s a very rare chance to see the C919 fly here in Hong Kong, so I came here to take advantage of the opportunity,” he said.
“I get to see it with my own eyes and use my own camera to take photos. I feel very honoured and happy.”
