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EASA Conducts Test Flights of COMAC's C919 Airliner

January 16, 2026

2 min read

Key Takeaways

EASA pilots conduct test flights of COMAC's C919 airliner.
Certification by Western regulators could open new markets.
COMAC applied for certification in 2019, delayed by COVID-19.
EASA executive director expects certification in 3-6 years.

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Strategic Implications

The C919's potential certification by EASA may indicate a significant shift in the global commercial aviation landscape, as it could enable COMAC to compete more effectively with Boeing and Airbus. This development suggests that Western regulators are taking a closer look at the C919, which could lead to increased sales and market share for COMAC, although it remains to be seen whether Western airlines will actually purchase the aircraft.

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What Happened

Western Certification Key To Unlocking Global Sales For Chinese Rival

Pilots from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) have been conducting test flights of the C919 commercial airliner from Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) in Shanghai, as part of COMAC’s bid to gain certification from Western regulators. The certification process, which began in 2019 but was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic, is expected to take three to six years, according to EASA executive director Florian Guillermet. While some airlines, such as Ryanair, have expressed interest in purchasing the C919 if the price is right, others have raised concerns about buying aircraft from Chinese military companies. The development was first reported by AeroTime.

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