China aims to speed up C919 aircraft certification in EU
Chinese authorities are taking measures to accelerate the certification process of the C919 passenger aircraft within the European Union. Experts and pilots from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) are effectively working on a permanent basis in Shanghai, conducting additional inspections and test flights of the Chinese airliner. This is crucial for expanding the presence of the Chinese manufacturer in the global aviation market.
Source SCMP
The first flight tests of the C919 took place in November of last year, but European regulators demand further flights to confirm the aircraft's safety. Chinese aviation authorities have involved pilots and airlines operating the aircraft to speed up the certification process.
Using flight operation and maintenance data from 2023, Chinese authorities aim to demonstrate the C919’s compliance with international standards. This development significantly impacts the future of Chinese aircraft manufacturing and its competitiveness in the global market.
The manufacturer of the C919, Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC), was established to produce competitive passenger aircraft capable of challenging Western producers like Airbus and Boeing.
In summary, the Chinese C919 aircraft is undergoing a challenging journey to be recognized in Europe, with active collaboration with EASA and the involvement of airlines helping to accelerate the certification process.
If successful, EU certification will allow the C919 to greatly expand its market reach, marking a strategic milestone for both China and the global aviation industry.
