EU pilots find no major safety issues with China's C919 jet during tests

European test pilots have completed months of flight testing on China's homegrown C919 passenger jet and found no major hardware risks, according to sources familiar with the process. The evaluation, conducted in China, is now wrapping up, marking a step forward in the aircraft's bid for European safety certification. However, the sources cautioned that completing the in-flight tests does not mean approval is imminent. The C919, developed by the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC), is designed to compete with the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 families. China aims to reduce its reliance on foreign aircraft and challenge the duopoly in the global jet market. The plane entered commercial service in 2023 with Chinese airlines, but international certification, especially from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), is crucial for exports. The positive findings from European pilots suggest that the C919 meets basic safety standards, but EASA's full certification process involves rigorous documentation and analysis that could take additional time. The sources did not specify when a final decision might be made. China has been aggressively promoting the C919 as a symbol of its technological ambitions. The jet has already accumulated hundreds of orders, mostly from domestic carriers. If certified by Europe, it could open doors to other international markets. The development is closely watched by the aviation industry, as it could reshape competition in the single-aisle aircraft segment. For now, the C919 remains on track, though experts say there are still hurdles to clear before it can fly in European skies.