Despite all the hype surrounding the two COMAC C919 examples that flew from Shanghai to Beijing last week, the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) the country’s civil aviation regulator has yet to issue the aircraft’s Type Certificate (TC). . The feat was expected for September 19, in a nod to the plane’s name.
Regulators generally do not set deadlines for such milestones. However, many speculated about the date as it coincided with the aircraft’s designation, according to a publication by Aviacionline.
The next important date on the calendar is October 1, China’s National Day. The country often flaunts its achievements at its annual celebration. So it would not be surprising that the new aircraft was originally supposed to receive type certification shortly before the national holiday.
Mixed feelings at Boeing
Boeing could be a beneficiary of the C919 certification. Due to the complicated political environment, many speculated that the CAAC would not recertify the 737 MAX until it certifies the C919. Once the country’s ruling party can claim certification for its domestically built aircraft, it can open the door for Boeing and allow its customers in China to grow their MAX fleets again.
In August, the President of Boeing China also declared that the Zhoushan 737 Completion and Delivery Center is “ready for the resumption of 737 MAX deliveries” in the country.
However, there are still many geopolitical tensions; something that could make it difficult for the 737 MAX to return to Chinese skies. At the moment it is difficult to raise expectations. Anything (or nothing) can happen.