At the Singapore Air Show, COMAC sent two C919s to display, which marked the first time that C919 flew across the country, gathering with Airbus, Boeing and other aviation giants, opening a new chapter in international competition.
Although the United States and the European Union have not yet approved their airworthiness certificates, why is the C919 able to leave the country? It turns out that COMAC will focus on ESA's airworthiness certification, which is also one of the key tasks highlighted by the National Civil Aviation Work Conference in the near future. By gaining ESA approval, the C919 is expected to expand sales in the international market.
Many people mistakenly think that C919's "can fly" and "can sell" are the same thing, in fact, only by obtaining European and American airworthiness certificates can it sell well on the international stage. According to the provisions of the International Civil Aviation Treaty, only a domestic airworthiness certificate is required to export aircraft to ICAO Member States. Although the C919 did not yet receive a Western airworthiness certificate when it flew to Singapore, it had obtained a domestic type certificate of conformity and airworthiness certification, which allowed it to leave the country unhindered.
Regarding the airworthiness certificate, many people have misunderstandings. In fact, the type certificate and production license are given to the C919 model, and after obtaining it, it can enter the airworthiness approval stage. And for each aircraft, obtaining an airworthiness certificate is not a difficult task.
Although the European and American airworthiness certificates are essential for the export of C919, it is not an absolute condition. Adapt to the airworthiness requirements and regulations of the destination country, and the C919 can be flown abroad. In addition, the C919 can also apply for a temporary airworthiness certificate or special exemption.
However, in order to enter the European and American markets, it is necessary to obtain the corresponding airworthiness certificate. Therefore, COMAC is focusing on obtaining ESA certification. Once ESA certification is obtained, it will also be much easier to enter the U.S. market.
Although the C919 faces many challenges, it has established a solid foundation in the domestic market. China is the world's second largest civil aviation market with huge potential. In addition, the C919 has also attracted international orders, laying the foundation for it to enter the international market.
Although the C919 faces the challenge of European and American airworthiness certificates, this is not a stumbling block to its internationalization. As long as it lays a solid foundation in the domestic market, accumulates experience and improves performance, C919 will definitely show its strength in the international market. In the game of the international civil aviation market, whoever has a safer and more economical aircraft can occupy a larger market share. And the C919 is well on its way to achieving this goal.