The C919, China's self-developed large passenger aircraft, commenced operation on a new route connecting the megacities of Beijing and Shanghai on Tuesday.

The flight MU5137, operated by China Eastern Airlines, took off from the Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport at around 3.40pm, heading towards Beijing Daxing International Airport.

This marks the second regular route for the C919, following the previously launched Shanghai Hongqiao-Chengdu Tianfu route.

The C919, along with another home-grown aircraft ARJ21, visited Hong Kong in December.

During the visit, the C919 made a low-altitude flight demonstration over Victoria Harbour.

The plane has a range of up to 5,555 kilometres. (Additional reporting by Xinhua)