EASA Begins In-Flight Evaluation of China’s Indigenous C919 Airliner

China is rapidly advancing its technological capabilities, making notable strides in the global aerospace sector as it seeks to challenge long-established Western aircraft manufacturers.

A major milestone in this effort has been reached with pilots from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) conducting certification-related test flights of China’s indigenous narrowbody jet, the COMAC c919, in Shanghai.

The test flights are part of COMAC’s long-term push to secure European certification, a crucial step toward unlocking international markets beyond China.

EASA confirmed that “validation activities” involving the C919 have taken place, with flight evaluations aimed at assessing the aircraft’s performance, safety, and operational reliability. Sources familiar with the process indicate that experienced foreign pilots based in China have been involved in demonstrating the jet’s capabilities.

The COMAC C919 is designed to compete directly with the c919 vs a320 and Boeing 737 families. It typically seats 158 to 168 passengers and features modern avionics, fly-by-wire flight controls, advanced flight management systems, and fuel-efficient CFM LEAP-1C engines.

The aircraft also incorporates composite materials to reduce weight and improve efficiency, positioning it as a modern single-aisle airliner aligned with global standards.

Although the C919 is already flying commercially with Chinese airlines, it has yet to receive certification from either EASA or the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), limiting its export potential.

comac c919 initially applied for European certification in 2019, but the process was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic and only resumed in earnest in 2023. EASA has indicated that certification could take three to six years if all requirements are met.

While regulatory approval remains a significant hurdle, industry interest is growing. In 2025, Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary publicly stated that his airline would consider purchasing the C919 if the pricing proved attractive—highlighting that cost competitiveness could play a decisive role in the aircraft’s future success in Western markets.

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