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Europe's aviation safety regulator conducted test flights of China's COMAC jets as part of certification process
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on January 15, 2026
1 min readLast updated: January 19, 2026
Home > Finance > Europe's aviation safety regulator conducted test flights of China's COMAC jets as part of certification process
Quick Summary
EASA tests COMAC C-919 jets in Shanghai for safety certification, crucial for COMAC's global market expansion.
EASA Conducts Test Flights of COMAC Jets for Safety Certification
EASA's Test Flights and Certification Process
LONDON, Jan 15 (Reuters) - Europe's aviation safety regulator EASA on Thursday confirmed reports that it had carried out test flights of the COMAC C-919 jet as it carries out "validation activities" as part of its certification process.
Details of the Test Flights
The South China Morning Post on Thursday reported that EASA had carried out test flights of the Chinese jet in Shanghai as it assesses the safety of COMAC's jets.
Implications for COMAC's Global Reach
EASA safety certification would allow Chinese planemaker COMAC to expand its global footprint to Western players. As it stands, European and other Western carriers can't fly the planemaker's jets.
(Reporting by Joanna Plucinska; Editing by Susan Fenton)
Key Takeaways
- •EASA is conducting test flights of the COMAC C-919.
- •Certification by EASA is crucial for COMAC's global expansion.
- •The test flights took place in Shanghai.
- •European carriers currently cannot use COMAC jets.
- •Certification will enhance COMAC's market reach.
Frequently Asked Questions about Europe's aviation safety regulator conducted test flights of China's COMAC jets as part of certification process
1What is EASA?
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) is responsible for ensuring safety and environmental protection in air travel within Europe.
2What is aircraft certification?
Aircraft certification is the process by which an aircraft is tested and approved for safety and compliance with aviation regulations.
3What is the COMAC C-919?
The COMAC C-919 is a narrow-body twin-engine jet airliner developed by the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) aimed at competing with Western aircraft.
4What is the significance of aviation safety certification?
Aviation safety certification is crucial as it ensures that aircraft are safe for operation, which is essential for passenger safety and regulatory compliance.
