{"id":129988,"date":"2026-01-17T16:05:00","date_gmt":"2026-01-17T10:35:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/?p=129988"},"modified":"2026-01-17T10:55:51","modified_gmt":"2026-01-17T05:25:51","slug":"easa-pilots-flies-c919-for-certification-test","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/index.php\/2026\/01\/17\/easa-pilots-flies-c919-for-certification-test\/","title":{"rendered":"EASA Pilots Take China\u2019s New C919 to the Skies in Crucial Certification Test"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

SHANGHAI-<\/strong> European regulators have started in-flight evaluations of China\u2019s domestically developed COMAC C919 narrowbody jet<\/a>, marking a critical phase in its long-running certification effort with Europe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The aircraft, operated by China Eastern Airlines (MU)<\/a> and flown from Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG), is being assessed by pilots from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency as Comac pushes for Western regulatory approval.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"EASA
Photo: boretjackson, X User<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Europe Puts C919 Under Scrutiny<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency has conducted verification flights of the C919 in Shanghai as part of its formal type certification program with Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China. The flights were carried out by EASA<\/a> test pilots and represent a visible step forward after delays in the approval process last year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The test aircraft departed from Shanghai Pudong International Airport, located close to Comac\u2019s headquarters and final assembly facilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sources familiar with the evaluations said the aircraft met expected safety standards, with only minor early-stage technical issues identified. These issues required limited software refinements rather than structural or hardware changes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

EASA and Comac have increased technical exchanges in recent months, reflecting steady progress in compliance demonstrations and system reviews.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"China
Photo: AeroTime<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

How the EASA Certification Process Works<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Flight testing forms the third stage of EASA\u2019s four-stage aircraft certification framework.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The process begins with a technical familiarization and design review phase, followed by ground-based compliance demonstrations. The third phase focuses on in-flight testing, where regulators assess aircraft behavior during extreme maneuvers, stall conditions, and adverse weather operations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The final stage involves a complete compliance review, closure of open findings, and formal issuance of type certification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The current C919 flights fall squarely within the in-flight evaluation stage, often viewed as the most visible and demanding part of the process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Timeline and Regulatory Outlook<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Despite recent progress, European certification remains a medium-term objective. In May last year, EASA Executive Director Florian Guillermet stated that the C919 would not receive approval before 2025, with a projected timeline of three to six years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Guillermet noted that Comac has committed significant technical and human resources to the process and expressed confidence that certification would eventually be achieved, even if timelines extend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

EASA certification carries broader implications, as it often serves as a reference point for other Western aviation authorities when evaluating new aircraft types, SCMP<\/a> reported.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"EASA
Photo: X User<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Operational Record Inside China<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The C919 entered commercial service in May 2023 and has since operated exclusively within China. By the end of last year, the aircraft had transported more than four million passengers without major operational disruptions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

China Eastern Airlines remains the primary operator, though additional Chinese carriers have inducted or plan to induct the aircraft. As of early 2025, several dozen C919s have been delivered, forming the foundation of Comac\u2019s narrowbody fleet strategy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Designed as a single-aisle jet competing with the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320<\/a> families, the C919\u2019s global ambitions depend heavily on securing Western certification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Photo: COMAC<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Human Factors and Crew Assessments<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Comac has also involved experienced Western pilots employed by Chinese airlines in simulator evaluations and technical dialogue with EASA. These pilots have participated in crew resource management assessments, a mandatory element of European certification focused on cockpit design, procedures, and human factors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to sources, the initial crew resource management checks have been completed successfully, with EASA satisfied with the results so far. Further assessments are expected as the certification program advances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Recent inspections identified minor software-related issues linked to crew aircraft interaction. Regulators indicated that these findings require limited adjustments and do not involve hardware modifications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stay tuned with us. Further, follow us on social media for the latest updates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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COMAC C919 Eyes New International Orders, EASA Certification<\/a><\/blockquote>