Prime Highlight:
- China Southern Airlines has appointed the first female captain to operate China’s domestically built C919, marking a historic moment for the country’s civil aviation sector.
- The move reflects growing confidence in China’s homegrown aircraft and progress toward greater gender representation in commercial aviation.
Key Facts:
- The appointment took place in Guangzhou, where China Southern Airlines is expanding C919 operations as part of its fleet development plans.
- Yu Yue, the newly appointed captain, has over a decade of flying experience and previously operated the Boeing 737 before transitioning to the C919.
Background:
China’s civil aviation industry marked a milestone in Guangzhou as China Southern Airlines appointed the country’s first female captain to fly the domestically built C919 aircraft. The announcement was made at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport and reflects growing confidence in China’s own aircraft, while also showing progress in gender inclusion within commercial aviation.
The newly appointed captain, Yu Yue, has more than ten years of flying experience. She joined China Southern Airlines in 2015 and previously flew the Boeing 737, earning a strong reputation for safety and professionalism. According to state media reports, Yu has maintained a flawless operational record throughout her career.
Earlier this year, Yu was selected from a small group of experienced pilots chosen for transition training on the C919. The move from a widely used foreign-built aircraft to China’s first indigenous narrowbody jet required months of intensive preparation. She completed certification at a Comac training facility in Shanghai, where the programme included simulator training, classroom instruction, emergency response procedures, system management, and adverse weather operations.
Yu described accepting the transition as a natural step when the opportunity was presented, underscoring the confidence placed in her skills and experience. Her appointment comes as China Southern Airlines continues to expand its use of the C919 as part of a wider fleet upgrade. Along with Air China and China Eastern Airlines, the carrier has been increasing C919 flight services after the aircraft completed more than two years of stable domestic operations since entering commercial service in May 2023.
Yu’s achievement also reflects a gradual change in China’s aviation workforce. Although women still make up a small share of commercial pilots nationwide, industry officials say more women are joining flight training programs and technical aviation roles.
The appointment of the first female captain to fly the C919 highlights growing confidence in China’s home-built aircraft and points to a more inclusive and self-reliant future for the country’s commercial aviation sector.
