EASA Estimates Several Years for COMAC C919 Certification

According to a recent statement, Europe’s aviation regulatory body anticipates needing three to six years to certify the C919 single-aisle commercial jet produced by Chinese aircraft manufacturer COMAC.

The C919, created to rival the narrow-body models from Airbus and Boeing, began service in China in 2023, following domestic safety certification in 2022.

COMAC had previously stated its goal to secure certification from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) this year to facilitate international sales. Currently, the C919 operates exclusively within China and Hong Kong.

EASA’s executive director, Florian Guillermet, mentioned in an interview that the C919 certification is unlikely to happen in 2025. He projects a certification timeline of three to six years.

Most countries mandate that their airlines operate aircraft models approved by major regulatory bodies like EASA or the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Industry sources have indicated that non-Chinese lessors and airlines would require EASA validation before considering the C919.

EASA initiated its collaboration with COMAC approximately four years ago and needs to validate the aircraft’s design and components, as well as perform test flights, according to Guillermet.

Guillermet added that COMAC is dedicating considerable resources and technical expertise to this certification, expressing confidence in its eventual success.

COMAC has not yet issued a response regarding the matter.

Additionally, Guillermet noted that COMAC is not pursuing FAA approval.

Although manufactured in China, many C919 components are sourced internationally, including the LEAP engine from GE Aerospace and Safran.

COMAC has also deployed its smaller C909 regional jet, China’s initial commercially produced jet engine-powered aircraft, with airlines in Indonesia, Vietnam, and Laos, seeking to penetrate foreign markets. The respective governments of these countries permit their airlines to operate Chinese-certified aircraft.