Published
09/24/2026, 10:21In Bishkek, a patient with allergic rhinitis is undergoing surgery aboard the Chinese C909 hospital aircraft. According to Chinese specialists, this is the first ENT procedure of its kind to be performed directly on board an aircraft.
The surgery is being performed by Sun Xicai, an otolaryngologist at the Hospital of Otolaryngology and Ophthalmology at Fudan University. He noted that he has performed such procedures many times in China, but this is his first time operating on board an aircraft.
The C909 arrived in Kyrgyzstan as part of the “Air Silk Road of Health” charitable mission. Approximately 40 Chinese specialists—ophthalmologists and otolaryngologists—arrived in the country along with the aircraft.
In Bishkek, about 10 surgeries are scheduled to be performed directly on board the flying hospital. Overall, the mission’s program calls for more than 100 surgical procedures, both on the plane and at a local hospital. Most of the surgeries will involve cataract treatment, though other ophthalmological and ENT procedures will also be performed.
The C909 aircraft has been specially converted for medical purposes. According to the organizers, this is the first in China and the only one in the world—a flying hospital specializing simultaneously in ophthalmology and otolaryngology.
On board is a certified Class I modular operating suite equipped with an air purity control system and all necessary surgical equipment.
“The aircraft is convenient because it has all the necessary equipment. This helps bridge the distance between the hospital and the patient,” noted Sun Xicai.
In addition to surgeries, the mission includes free consultations and examinations, training for Kyrgyz doctors, telemedicine consultations, and academic exchanges.
In total, the organizers expect to provide at least 2,000 free medical services in Kyrgyzstan.
The mission is taking place as part of China’s cooperation with the Shanghai Cooperation Organization member states in the field of healthcare.
