Check in
Transiting from Terminal 3E to Terminal 3C requires one to go through immigration clearance first before taking the SkyTrain. Once in Terminal 3C, a security check is necessary for transiting passengers.
Lounge
There is an Air China Business and First-Class lounge in the main area of the terminal but due to the lack of time, I decided to give it a miss.
There is, however, a mini lounge near the departure gate which has basic F&B option, but it is a much better waiting area than the seats at the gate.
Hardware
B-919X is the only operational Comac C919 of Air China. Air China just took delivery of a second C919 during my flight. Being a 3-month-old plane, the interior looked spanking new and clean.
Seats were arranged in a 2-2 fashion, with a total of 8 seats only. The seats mirror those of North America’s Domestic First Class but is certainly much better than European Business Class (which are Economy Class seats). Unlike older seats, these seats have a winged appendage for slight improvement of privacy for those traveling solo.
There is an integrated leg and footrest. Storage is minimal, with just a back pocket of the front seat and a small side storage space (for tablet). Within space, one will find a universal plug with a combo USB-A and USB-C charging port.
There was no seat back nor stowed IFE. Seat functions were controlled mechanically.
The plane window seems smaller than those on Boeing 737/Airbus A320, but I was not able to verify it.
The toilet space was about like those offered by competitors.
One noticeable feature is that the acceleration force during take-off felt significantly stronger although this is subjective.
Software
Sensing the passenger’s enthusiasm to fly in a C919, the crew were more than happy to entertain questions with regards to the plane. They felt slightly friendlier than the previous flight.
Once again, pre-departure service includes towels, drinks, and food order. Being a domestic flight, only local options were available. As this is a short flight, food was a single tray service. Quality felt slightly better, but the portion was still meagre. No alcohol was available though.
Amenities
Pillows and blankets were provided, although the blanket was nowhere as comfortable as those provided in the international sector. Slippers were provided as well despite being a short 2-hour flight.
The toilet was bare with no amenities.
The letdown
After a near flawless flight (nice clean plane with a smooth flight from take off to landing), the experience was marred by us being stuck on the plane without power for at least 5 to 7 minutes. While waiting to disembark, the APU just went off leaving everyone with only emergency light and no circulating air.
This created some unhappiness as few passengers started to complain of breathlessness. Thankfully, the issue was resolved.
Overall impression
C919 is a potential competitor to the duopoly of 737 and A320 series. With a large domestic market, the demand will certainly be there potentially to replace the ageing 737NG and A320CEO/A320 series. The challenge however would be to convince foreign customers that this is a worthy consideration. Looking forward to trying out the C929 once it comes out.
That Time Of The Year! 