European aviation evaluators have initiated test flights of China's domestically produced C919 airliner in Shanghai, marking a significant step in the aircraft's journey towards obtaining Western safety certification. The verification flights are part of ongoing efforts by the manufacturer, Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (Comac), to demonstrate the aircraft's safety and reliability on the global stage.
According to sources, two pilots from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) carried out the in-flight tests in November, flying from Shanghai's Pudong Airport, near the aircraft's production base. An official involved noted that EASA pilots assessed the aircraft as being in good and safe condition, with some minor issues requiring adjustments.
The certification process experienced delays last year, but recent exchanges between Comac and EASA indicate renewed cooperation and progress. Senior foreign pilots working in China have also been engaged to further demonstrate the C919's performance, suggesting a comprehensive approach to meeting international safety standards.
Ensuring successful certification is crucial for China's aerospace ambitions, allowing the C919 to compete with established aircraft manufacturers like Boeing and Airbus in international markets. These test flights thus represent a vital milestone in China's efforts to expand its aviation industry globally.
