China recently appointed Yu Yue as the dedicated captain for C919 operational flights. This move comes as the country's aviation industry expands its workforce and gradually transitions pilots from Boeing and Airbus aircraft to operate this domestic model.

This decision makes Yu Yue the first female captain assigned to pilot the domestic C919 aircraft. Her appointment follows a 10-year record "without any errors" since she joined China Southern Airlines, based in Guangzhou, and began piloting Boeing 737 aircraft.

Yu Yue, originally from Hunan, was born and raised in Guangzhou. Living near the airport from a young age, the sight of giant aircraft soaring through the clouds took root in her heart, nurturing her dream of becoming a pilot.

"Every day on my way to school, I would look up and see planes gliding across the sky," she shared.

Yu Yue, the first female captain to pilot China's domestically produced C919 aircraft. Photo: CSA

Chinese media reported that in 2011, when Yu Yue was in 12th grade, she applied for the Flight Engineering major at the Civil Aviation University of China. Due to her exceptional physical condition and academic performance, she became one of the few female students admitted. Yu Yue's birth year and age have not been disclosed, but this information suggests she was born around 1992-1993.

Yu Yue stated that her time studying at the Civil Aviation University of China was not as romantic as depicted in films. She diligently studied aviation theory in textbooks and practiced flight maneuvers with instructors, laying the foundation for her future career.

In 2015, Yu Yue graduated from university and joined China Southern Airlines, beginning to pilot the Boeing 737 one year later. In early 2025, China Southern Airlines' C919 fleet expanded, recruiting personnel from the airline's most accomplished pilots.

"When asked if I wanted to take on the challenge, I did not hesitate," she said, adding that this was the most significant turning point in her piloting career.

During two months of training at COMAC Customer Service Company, Yu Yue successfully completed all training modules. The ground phase included: 34 hours of computer-based training (cbt), 52 hours of classroom instruction, and eight integrated procedure training (pit) sessions.

The simulation phase covered core topics such as handling abnormal and emergency situations, workload management, aerial maneuvers, single-engine failure control, and adverse weather response.

"Mastering knowledge of an entirely new aircraft type in a short period, while facing a packed schedule of exams and simulation training, was truly demanding," she stated.

Yu Yue stands next to a domestically produced C919 aircraft in China. Photo: CSA

The professionalism of the instructors motivated her. Notably, both the theoretical and practical instructors were women, able to answer all her questions about the C919.

"She performed exceptionally well during ground training. More importantly, she maintained a humble, serious attitude and stable mindset. In special situation handling exercises on the simulation system, she demonstrated clear logic and calm judgment, leaving a deep impression on us," said Yu Yue's instructor.

Yu Yue is married to a fellow pilot and has a three-year-old child. As a female pilot, she also faced challenges when having a child, as she had to stop flying and essentially restart her career upon returning to work.

"My husband and I are in the same profession, often apart, but the distance makes us appreciate each other more," she confided. Both sides of their family take turns caring for their grandchild, allowing Yu Yue to focus on her work.

"Without my parents' help and my husband's understanding, it would be very difficult for me to excel in both roles as a captain and a mother," she said. Her greatest motivation is her child, who, whenever she is about to fly, tugs at her sleeve and reminds her, "Mommy, be safe and come home soon."

Yu Yue stated that she is not a genius, so she can only strive to do her best in her beloved job. "I hope many girls will bravely pursue their dreams, persevere in their passions, and open up their own skies," she expressed.

Hong Hanh (According to The Paper)