Two test pilots from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency have conducted verification flights on China's C919 airliner. This is a crucial step in acquiring certification needed for global operation. The moves follow a delay in the high-stakes certification process last year.
Two test pilots from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) have conducted verification flights on China's C919 airliner, according to a source with knowledge of the arrangements. Meanwhile, senior foreign pilots working in China have been deployed to help demonstrate the C919’s reliability.
The moves, following a delay in the high-stakes certification process last year, were part of ongoing exchanges between Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (Comac) – the C919’s manufacturer – and the European regulator, the source said.
“[EASA] agreed the aircraft is good and safe … other than some teething problems that required tweaks,” the source said.
Another source confirmed the test flights and said there had been an increase in exchanges between Comac and EASA recently.
The C919 is China's first domestically developed large passenger jet, aimed at competing with Airbus and Boeing. Western certification would enable it to enter international markets, though it already holds domestic approval in China. The event took place in Shanghai, home to Comac's headquarters.