Ghim-Lay Yeo, Singapore (28Dec10, 06:56 GMT, 139 words)
The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) has formally accepted an application from the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (Comac) for a type certificate for the C919 narrowbody jet.
The move officially kickstarts an evaluation process of the C919 programme development to ensure that it meets airworthiness standards. A team of CAAC officials in Shanghai will conduct the evaluation, says Comac.
Comac aims to conduct first flight of the C919 in 2014, followed by entry into service in 2016, by when it must be granted the type certificate.
"Comac will then begin the process of obtaining certification from the US and European authorities through the CAAC," it adds.
The aircraft manufacturer aims to get the C919 certified by the US Federal Aviation Administration and the European Aviation Safety Agency so it can market the aircraft overseas.
Source: Air Transport Intelligence news