Exclusive | China’s C919 airliner put through paces by test pilots from European aviation regulator
European Union Aviation Safety Agency test flights a crucial step in acquiring certification needed for global operation
Two test pilots from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) have conducted verification flights, according to a source with knowledge of the arrangements. Meanwhile, senior foreign pilots working in China have been deployed to help demonstrate the C919’s reliability.
The moves, following a delay in the high-stakes certification process last year, were part of ongoing exchanges between Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (Comac) – the C919’s manufacturer – and the European regulator, the source said.
“[EASA] agreed the aircraft is good and safe … other than some teething problems that required tweaks,” the source said.
Another source confirmed the test flights and said there had been an increase in exchanges between Comac and EASA recently.