C919 nears debut flight

Source: Xinhua | 2017-03-27

CHINA’S first domestically made large passenger jetliner has passed a major technical assessment, bringing it a closer to its maiden flight. 

An evaluation committee of 63 aviation specialists from across China has agreed the C919 is technically ready for its maiden flight, the Shanghai-based aircraft maker, Commercial Aircraft Corp of China, said on Saturday. The committee has proven the C919 is technically airworthy but the jet is still subject to electromagnetic compatibility and taxiing tests before it takes to the air. The C919, with over 150 seats and a range of 4,075 kilometers, is set to compete with the updated Airbus A320 and Boeing’s new-generation 737.