The COMAC C919, China’s first homegrown narrow-body airliner, is making strides in the aviation industry. While it is already operational in China’s domestic market, obtaining international certification remains a critical challenge. This article delves into the C919’s journey, current status, and the hurdles it faces in securing certification from Western aviation regulators.

When Will COMAC C919 Receive Certification from Western Regulators?

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When Will COMAC C919 Receive Certification from Western Regulators?

COMAC C919 Certification Milestones

The COMAC C919 project officially launched in 2008, and the first prototype was rolled out in 2015. After several years of development and testing, the aircraft took its maiden flight in 2017. It finally received its Chinese Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) type certification in September 2022 and entered service with China Eastern Airlines in May 2023.

Despite this progress, the C919 is still not certified by the American Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). Without these certifications, the C919 is limited to China’s domestic market and a few other regions. International certification is essential for COMAC to tap into the global market, which would enable the C919 to compete with established models like the Airbus A320neo and Boeing 737 MAX.

EASA Certification: Progress and Delays

In May 2024, there were indications that China hopes to secure EASA certification for the C919 by 2025. This would be a significant achievement, as it would allow the aircraft to operate in European markets. However, reports suggest that this goal may be overly optimistic. Top EASA officials have been cautious, stating that the certification process will take “whatever time is needed.” The C919 is currently at the “technical familiarization” stage, the initial phase of a process that can take five or more years.

Luc Tytgat, the acting executive director of EASA, highlighted that the C919’s certification request was first submitted in 2019, but the process was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Although COMAC reinitiated the certification process in 2026, the European regulators now need to reacquaint themselves with the aircraft, especially considering changes made during the pandemic period. Industry insiders speculate that the C919 may not receive full EASA certification for several more years.

FAA Certification: A Political Challenge

Securing FAA certification for the COMAC C919 presents an even steeper challenge. In 2018, COMAC re-evaluated the C919’s flight deck design to align with U.S. Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR), a necessary step for FAA approval. However, since then, the situation has grown more complex. Political factors, including the U.S. government’s restrictions on certain Chinese technologies, cast doubt on whether the C919 will ever receive FAA certification. The broader political landscape between China and the U.S. is a significant variable that could impede or delay certification indefinitely.

COMAC C919 Timeline

• Project launch: 2008
• First prototype production: 2011
• First prototype rolled out: 2015
• Maiden flight: 2017
• CAAC type certification: 2022
• Entry into service: 2023

The Importance of Western Certification

While China has one of the largest domestic aviation markets globally, international success for the COMAC C919 hinges on gaining FAA and EASA certifications. Without these approvals, the aircraft cannot be sold or operated in major Western markets, significantly limiting its global appeal. The competition is fierce, and the C919’s ability to penetrate these markets would open the door to thousands of potential sales.

Moreover, international certification is not only a technical issue but also a matter of global trade and politics. In the past, Russia’s Sukhoi SuperJet 100 received European certification, but with the onset of sanctions following the invasion of Ukraine, those certifications were revoked. Similarly, geopolitical tensions could further complicate the C919’s path to Western markets.

The Window of Opportunity

Despite these challenges, there is a window of opportunity for COMAC. With both Airbus and Boeing facing production backlogs and delays, there is a demand for new commercial jets. Boeing’s 737 MAX safety crisis has led to more stringent regulatory standards, slowing down the certification of new aircraft. While this increases the scrutiny on the C919, it also presents a unique chance for the Chinese jet to break into the global market.

However, Boeing’s troubles have also raised the bar for new entrants. Following the fatal 737 MAX crashes in 2018 and 2019, Western regulators are more cautious than ever, particularly with aircraft from new manufacturers like COMAC. EASA has made it clear that there will be no shortcuts, and the certification process will be rigorous.

COMAC C919 Profile

• Type: Narrow-body airliner
• Number in service: 7+
• Seating capacity: 158 to 192 passengers
• Operators: China Eastern Airlines (First examples also delivered to Air China and China Southern)
• Comparable aircraft: Airbus A220, Airbus A320neo family, Boeing 737 MAX, Yakovlev MC-21
• Powerplant: 2x CFM LEAP-1C engines

Can China Replicate Its Success?

China has a track record of breaking into industries previously dominated by Western companies, such as automobiles and mobile phones. The aviation industry, however, is notoriously difficult to penetrate. Only time will tell if the C919 will follow in the footsteps of other Chinese successes, but securing FAA and EASA certifications remains the key to its global future

The COMAC C919’s story is still unfolding, and while the aircraft has made significant progress, its ability to compete on the world stage will depend heavily on overcoming the regulatory hurdles that lie ahead.

Sources:

• Simple Flying
• Featured image by: Ken Chen