Air China C909 hits bird as Chinese jets face growing 'real-world' tests

A suspected bird strike on a Chinese-made C909 regional jet in Beijing reportedly left some marks on its nose and airframe, but experts said the likelihood of any severe damage was very low. (Photo: handout via South China Morning Post)

A suspected bird strike on a Chinese-made C909 regional jet in Beijing has reportedly left some marks on its nose and airframe, but experts said the likelihood of any severe damage was very low.

The incident underscores the real-world tests of reliability facing the model as it is more widely deployed at home and abroad, according to observers.