China Southern Airlines' first C919 jet arrives at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport. It will soon begin commercial operation. [Photo by Zheng Caixiong/chinadaily.com.cn]

According to Ma, China Southern Airlines has signed purchase agreements with Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China, or COMAC, to purchase 100 C919 planes in April.

"The planes will be delivered for operation in batches between 2024 and 2031, and their flight destinations will mainly cover routes from Guangzhou to Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu and Xi'an in the following years," he said.

Cui Wei, captain of China Southern Airlines' first C919 jet, said it was his great honor to become one of the first pilots of the company's domestically produced large aircraft.

He said they will devote themselves to the work with a more focused and enthusiastic attitude and strive to improve their professional abilities.