EASA Test Flights Signal COMAC C919 is Closer to Western Certification

ByUjjwal Sukhwani•January 16, 2026 at 06:37 AM•3 min read

MANUFACTURING EASA Test Flights Signal COMAC C919 is Closer to Western Certification

European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) test pilots began verification flights of the COMAC C919 in Shanghai, a crucial step for the Chinese narrowbody jet to gain Western safety certification and compete with Airbus and Boeing globally.

Key Points

1EASA test pilots began verification flights of the COMAC C919 in Shanghai on January 15, 2026, marking a critical step toward Western safety certification.
2The C919, China's challenger to the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320, needs EASA approval to enter the global export market.
3China's civil aviation market is booming, logging a record 5.37 million flights in 2025 and aiming for 810 million passenger trips in 2026, driving demand for new aircraft.

European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) test pilots have begun verification flights of the COMAC C919 narrowbody jet in Shanghai. This move is a crucial step for the Chinese-made aircraft. It signals a serious push toward securing Western safety certification. Such certification is vital for the C919's global adoption and its ability to compete internationally.

Certification Milestone

Two EASA test pilots conducted the verification flights. The flights took off from Shanghai's Pudong Airport, near the aircraft's production base. This testing is part of the ongoing compliance demonstration. It is the third stage of EASA's four-part assessment regime. The tests validate critical flight aspects. They assess the aircraft's handling during extreme maneuvers and stalls. Sources indicate EASA found the aircraft to be safe. Only minor software issues were identified, requiring small fixes.

Path to Global Competition

The C919 is manufactured by the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC). It is positioned as a direct challenger to the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 mainline airliners. The aircraft has been operating smoothly domestically since May 2023. However, Western certification is necessary to fly beyond Chinese skies. While an EASA approval timeline was previously extended, the recent test flights show significant progress. The involvement of senior foreign pilots also aims to strengthen COMAC's case.

Market Context: China's Aviation Boom

This certification push comes amid a period of robust growth in China's civil aviation sector. China has emerged as the world's largest air travel market. Chinese mainland airlines operated a record 5.37 million flights in 2025. This figure surpasses pre-pandemic highs. The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) has set ambitious targets. The CAAC aims to handle 810 million passenger trips in 2026. The rebound is supported by new international routes. It is also boosted by aggressive visa-free policies.

Airbus's latest Global Services Forecast (GSF) highlights China's importance. China is projected to be the largest market for aftermarket services. The country is expected to take delivery of approximately 9,570 new aircraft over the next 20 years. This strong demand underscores the opportunity for the C919. Successful EASA certification would open up a massive global export market.

Key Takeaways for Aviation Stakeholders:
- Increased Competition: Western certification will intensify the narrowbody market rivalry between COMAC, Airbus, and Boeing.
- Market Access: EASA approval is the gateway for the C919 to enter Europe and other global markets.
- Technical Validation: The EASA test flights validate the C919's safety and design integrity.

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