When Will China's COMAC C919 Twinjet Receive Certification From Western Regulators?

Summary EASA certification for COMAC C919 may still be years away, conflicting reports surface in 2024. COMAC requested EASA approval in 2019 but now faces a gap due to COVID-19, making timeline uncertain. Western certification is crucial for COMAC's international success, but FAA and EASA approvals are challenging to secure.

The COMAC C919 is now in limited use in China. It received its CAAC-type certificate in September 2022 and has been operational in China Eastern Airlines since May 2023. But so far, the jet lacks American FAA and European Union Aviation Safety Agency ( EASA ) certifications, meaning it is unable to in most international markets.

While a recent EASA audit's favorable feedback spurred discussion that the COMAC's certification may be getting closer , other reports suggest it is still some time away. COMAC C919 EASA certification may be years away In May 2024, Aviation Week reported that China hopes the COMAC will receive EASA certification in 2025. Obtaining EASA certification would enable it to be flown in most international markets.

However, a Reuters article published in March 2024 casts cold water on these hopes. Top EASA officials told Reuters it will take " whatever time is needed " to approve China's new A320 and Boeing 737 competitor. Currently, the C919 cannot fly in Europe, and European regulators need to decide whether to grant their own validation of China's certification of the jet and ensure that imports meet European safety standards.

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