Foreign Media: China Delays Airbus Deliveries to Force C919 Certification

China's domestically developed C919 passenger aircraft has yet to receive Western certification, hindering its overseas expansion. Sources reveal that China has been delaying the final delivery procedures for Airbus aircraft for months, expressing dissatisfaction with European regulators for not certifying Chinese-made planes. This has resulted in the delay of nearly 20 Airbus aircraft. According to Bloomberg, the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) has been stalling the final approval for Airbus deliveries to Chinese carriers, a critical step before aircraft can enter service in China. Airbus reported its lowest first-quarter commercial aircraft deliveries since 2009, citing an 'administrative issue' for the delay of nearly 20 planes destined for China. CEO Guillaume Faury predicted in April that deliveries would return to normal by the end of June, though he provided no specifics. Data shows that Airbus delivered only 16 aircraft to Chinese carriers from January to May this year, down significantly from 47 in the same period last year. COMAC is seeking certification for the C919 outside of Asia, though the aircraft remains heavily reliant on Western technology for its engines and avionics. The decision rests with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).