China's C919, a narrow-body jet designed to compete with Airbus and Boeing, has taken a significant step towards gaining European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certification, which would allow it to compete in the international market. This development comes after EASA officials conducted an on-site inspection in Shanghai, China, and provided positive feedback on the aircraft.
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The C919, developed by the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC), is part of China's ambitious plan to break the Airbus-Boeing duopoly in the global aviation industry. The aircraft has already been certified by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) and has been in service with China Eastern Airlines since last year. However, international certification, particularly from EASA, is crucial for the aircraft to expand its reach beyond China.
The EASA certification process involves a rigorous evaluation of the aircraft's design, safety features, and manufacturing processes. The positive feedback from EASA officials suggests that the C919 has met or is close to meeting the stringent safety and performance standards set by the European regulator. While the exact timeline for EASA certification remains uncertain, there are indications that it could be achieved by 2025. This would be a significant milestone for COMAC and China's aviation industry, as it would open up new markets for the C919.
The C919 has already garnered significant interest from airlines in Asia and the Middle East, with several airlines placing orders for the aircraft. However, international certification, particularly from EASA, is crucial for these airlines to operate the C919 on international routes. The C919 is part of China's broader strategy to become a major player in the global aviation industry. The country has been investing heavily in research and development, infrastructure, and training to build a competitive aviation industry. The C919 is a key part of this strategy, and its success in gaining international certification would be a significant boost for China's aviation ambitions.