International approval for China's domestically produced medium-sized passenger aircraft C919 is approaching. European aviation industry officials and technical delegations are scheduled to conduct on-site inspections in China early next month to initiate the international certification process.
On the 24th, Hong Kong's South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported, citing sources, that representatives from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) will participate in flight simulations of the C919 aircraft early next month and will also meet with officials from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC). The European delegation also plans to board the aircraft to closely inspect the interior and visit the assembly line of the manufacturer, Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC).
SCMP stated that this plan signifies a step forward in China's strategy to obtain certification from European regulatory authorities and could further stimulate potential demand in Europe and other regions. However, the exact timing of the special flight has not yet been determined and could take place at the end of this year or early next year, according to officials.
Chinese aviation officials are optimistic, saying that Europe's prompt approval of the C919's safety and reliability could be achieved as early as next year. However, Luc Tytgat, acting Executive Director of EASA, mentioned to major foreign media in March that approval would not be immediate.
Having achieved domestic success for one year since its launch, the C919 is recently turning its attention overseas. Since beginning commercial operations in May last year, six units have been delivered, transporting a cumulative total of 300,000 passengers across four domestic routes. In April, China's three major state-owned airlines?Air China, China Eastern Airlines, and China Southern Airlines?each placed firm orders for 100 aircraft, providing strong support.
SCMP evaluated the European visit to China as "a new significant interaction" despite tensions between China and Europe over electric vehicle subsidy issues. A source said, "Frequent interactions help maintain good communication and assist in resolving cooperation-related issues, including C919 certification."
The C919 is China's first domestically produced medium-sized aircraft developed with indigenous technology by COMAC after 16 years of research and development. It can fly up to 5,555 km and accommodate 192 passengers. Its size is comparable to the American Boeing 737 and the French Airbus A320. Globally, only Boeing, Airbus, and COMAC have commercialized medium-sized aircraft.
In February, the aircraft conducted demonstration flights at the Singapore Airshow and in five Southeast Asian countries. Another COMAC model, the ARJ21, was purchased by Indonesian telecommunications company TransNusa.
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